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Shakib Al Hasan’s whirlwind visit to play for Surrey in a high-profile clash with Somerset has landed the Bangladesh legend in hot water after umpires flagged him for a suspect bowling action.
Chasing a third consecutive County Championship title, Surrey were missing eight players on England duty, so signed spin-bowling all-rounder Shakib on a one-match deal for their vital encounter with second-placed Somerset , who prepared a turning track suitable for their own spinners, Jack Leach and Archie Vaughan. It was Shakib’s first appearance in the County Championship since 2011, when he played for Worcestershire.
From over 65 overs in the match, Shakib picked up nine wickets but could not prevent Surrey from sliding into a dramatic defeat as Leach and Vaughan shared the match’s 20 wickets. However, Surrey would have the last laugh, as they won the title because Somerset stumbled to lose in their last two matches.
A report from Bangladesh Star of the day revealed that experienced on-field umpires David Millns and Steve O’Shaughnessy flagged down Shakib’s action. They did not call a no-ball for a specific delivery he bowled, but suspected he might have used an illegal action. This is believed to be the first time he has been accused of bowling illegally in a professional career spanning almost 20 years. He took 712 wickets in 447 international matches, including 246 as one of the best modern left-arm spinners.
Although the England and Wales Cricket Board and Surrey have refused to comment, it is understood they are currently in the process of arranging for Shakib to have his action tested at an approved venue. This is expected to take place within the next fortnight.
Shakib is not currently banned – indeed, he played two Tests in India later in September. However, if he fails the test of his bowling action, he will be suspended from English domestic cricket until he is able to prove the legality of his bowling action at an approved testing venue. It is understood that as such a suspension by the ECB would be in line with International Cricket Council regulations, it would be adopted by all International Cricket Council countries, thereby widening any possible ban.
ICC regulations state that “an illegal bowling action is a player throwing the ball rather than bowling it. This is defined by the ICC as where the player’s elbow extends more than 15 degrees between their arm reaching horizontal and the ball being released.
It continues a tumultuous few months for Shakib, whose international career remains in a curious limbo. He was due to play a farewell Test in Dhaka against South Africa last month but had to withdraw due to security concerns. He had previously been an MP in the Awami League-led government, which was ousted during July’s student protests.
