BCB Follows ECB, Bans Star All-Rounder Shakib Al Hasan From Top-Level Cricket

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Bangladesh's star all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan, has been banned from bowling in all ICC-approved tournaments as well as elite domestic cricket.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced the decision, aligning with a similar ruling previously issued by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

The legendary Bangladesh player underwent an independent assessment of his bowling action earlier this month at Loughborough University, a testing facility accredited by the ICC in the UK. This assessment followed concerns raised during an English county cricket match in September, where his action was reported as suspect. Upon failing the assessment, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) suspended him from bowling in their competitions.

ICC Regulation

As per clause 11.3 of the ICC's regulations on illegal bowling actions, if a national cricket board imposes a bowling suspension in its domestic tournaments, this ban is automatically extended to all ICC-sanctioned international matches and the domestic leagues of other national cricket boards. This means that the 37-year-old's suspension in England is now recognized globally, including by the ICC and cricket boards in other countries, effectively barring him from bowling in all top-level cricket until further action is taken.

What Did The BCB Say Officially?

"The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has been informed that national team all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been suspended from bowling in competitions under the jurisdiction of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). As a result, Shakib is also suspended from bowling in domestic cricket competitions outside Bangladesh and in international cricket," the BCB said in an official statement.

Big Blow To Champions Trophy Aspirations

Shakib announced his retirement from Test and T20I cricket during Bangladesh's tour of India in September-October. He had expressed a wish to play a farewell Test in Dhaka against South Africa, but this plan was derailed due to political unrest in the country following Sheikh Hasina's exit as Prime Minister.

He also shown interest to play in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy for Bangladesh. However, with the current bowling ban in place, his chances of playing in the tournament remain uncertain. If the ban is not lifted before the event, it is likely that Shakib will miss the high-profile competition.