Shakib fails reassessment test for bowling action; doubtful for Champions Trophy

Shakib Al Hasan has failed an independent reassessment test conducted in Chennai and will remain suspended from bowling in all tournaments, Cricbuzz reported on January 11 (Saturday). The Bangladeshi spin-bowling all-rounder took the test at the Sri Ramachandra Centre for Sports Science last month.

Last month, the left-arm spinner was banned from bowling in international cricket and will now only be eligible to play as a specialist batter until his action is cleared. He had been reported for suspect action during a county championship match between Surrey and Somerset, and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) deemed his action illegal and banned him from bowling in all ECB competitions.

"Consequently, the player's existing suspension from bowling in international cricket following the initial independent assessment at the testing centre of Loughborough University in the UK, also remains in place. A successful reassessment is required for the bowling suspension to be lifted. While Shakib is currently unable to bowl, he is eligible to continue playing as a batsman in all forms of domestic and international cricket,” the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said in a statement.

Talking about his inclusion in the Bangladesh squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy, a member of the selection panel told Cricbuzz: “If he [Shakib] is not bowling, chances are slim [to play in the Champions Trophy]. Tamim is sorted [having announced retirement], and Shakib needs to come after giving his third (bowling reassessment) test, and I am in doubt regarding his chances in the tournament.

"So you can say that we are preparing the squad without them [Tamim and Shakib] as we will not be thinking of Shakib if he is not bowling. If BCB feels that he can come after the test, we can go for replacement as we have time.”