The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is currently awaiting the results of Shakib Al Hasan’s bowling action tests before finalizing their squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Teams must submit their rosters by January 12. In September of the previous year, Shakib’s bowling action came under scrutiny during a county match with Surrey, leading to his suspension by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
According to the International Cricket Council (ICC) rules regarding unlawful bowling actions, Shakib has been banned from bowling in international matches and domestic tournaments around the world. Although he previously underwent a bowling assessment at Loughborough University, the findings were unfavorable.
Shakib then took a second bowling test in Chennai, and the BCB is now eagerly awaiting those results. Gazi Ashraf Hossain, the chief selector of the BCB, expressed his surprise over the situation, noting that they are patiently waiting for updates.
“It was really shocking to learn that Shakib didn’t pass the bowling action test at Loughborough. I need to check if he has undergone another test,” Hossain said, according to ESPNcricinfo. “We must wait for this information. The board hasn’t provided complete instructions regarding Shakib. Time is of the essence, and I believe we will have clarity in a day or two,” he added.
Bangladesh’s captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, along with BCB president Faruque Ahmed, indicated their support for including Shakib in the squad, should he successfully pass his upcoming bowling test.
Shakib has not participated in any international cricket since Bangladesh’s Test series against India, which they lost 0-2. He also missed the opportunity to play in his farewell Test match against South Africa at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
His last appearance on the field was in November, where he played for the Bangla Tigers in the T10 League. Currently, he is not competing in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League.
