Star Bangladesh allrounder Shakib Al Hasan has been cleared to resume bowling in English cricket matches after a re-assessment of his bowling action. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced on March 20, 2025, that the 37-year-old cricketer passed stringent tests at Loughborough University earlier this month. According to the ECB's statement, the re-assessment found that Shakib had remedied his action to fall within the prescribed 15-degree threshold defined in the ECB Bowling Review Regulations.
The scrutiny of Shakib's bowling action began in September 2024, during a County Championship match for Surrey against Somerset. After being reported by the standing umpire, he initially failed an independent assessment at Loughborough University, leading to his bowling suspension starting December 10, 2024. This suspension significantly impacted Shakib's international career, as it meant he was not included in Bangladesh's squad for the recently held Champions Trophy, which he had hoped to be a part of as a farewell event.
Shakib's absence from the Champions Trophy was particularly sorrowful as the selection panel chose not to include him even as a specialist batter. His bowling action was under continuous scrutiny, having failed two previous assessments, leading to a cloud of uncertainty over his sporting future.
During the period of his suspension, Shakib had missed critical matches, including both Tests in India last year. Furthermore, he was also a member of the Awami League ruling party in Bangladesh, which faced overwhelming pressure from student-led protests in August 2024, eventually relinquishing power.
Shakib's situation highlights the complex interplay between sports and politics. Not only was he dealing with his performance issues, but he was also embroiled in a political scenario that might have affected his focus. He last played an ODI during the 2023 World Cup and was forced to sit out the Champions Trophy, wherein Bangladesh managed to gather only a single point due to an abandoned game against hosts Pakistan.
Mohammad Salahuddin, the senior assistant coach of the Bangladesh men's team, speculated that Shakib's bowling action became suspect due to an effort to impart more spin during the County Championship game, which ultimately led to the investigation and subsequent ban.
After he failed the second assessment at the Sri Ramachandra Centre for Sports Science in Chennai, India, last January, Shakib was still unable to regain the clearance to bowl. However, on his third attempt, conducted once again at Loughborough University, the results were finally in his favor. Shakib himself confirmed the development, stating, "The news is right (passing about the bowling test) and I am cleared to bowl again," reiterating his return to playing form.
Shakib’s last international outing was during the second Test against India in Kanpur in October 2024. Notably, Bangladesh's cricketing future now potentially includes Shakib's participation in the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka, where his experience could be crucial, especially after he was not picked during the recent IPL auction and PSL draft.
The return of Shakib marks a significant moment for Bangladesh cricket as they look to stabilize their performance in the international arena. The team has faced challenges lately, having struggled in critical match-ups against India and New Zealand—games that highlighted their vulnerability in what was considered their strong suit, the 50-over format.
With Shakib back on board and cleared to bowl, there is hope among fans and selectors alike that his vast experience and skill can bring about a revival in the team's fortunes. As he steps back onto the pitch, all eyes will be on whether he can regain his peak form and lead the national team to new heights, both in the ODI format and beyond.
