The Tamim Iqbal chapter has closed. Is Shakib Al Hasan next? It seems that way. With issues surrounding his bowling action, Shakib’s omission from the 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy, set to be announced tomorrow, appears almost certain. This raises the inevitable question—like Tamim, is Shakib’s international career also nearing its end?
As of last night, there were no positive updates from the BCB regarding Shakib’s bowling action test. It’s also unlikely any news will arrive before the squad announcement. Moreover, the BCB doesn’t believe that Shakib, solely as a batsman, is fit to play in a high-stakes tournament like the Champions Trophy. Multiple sources within the BCB have confirmed that Shakib will not be part of the squad.
However, this isn’t a major setback for Gazi Ashraf Hossain’s selection committee. From the outset, the chances of these two experienced players participating in the tournament were slim. The selectors had prepared the squad accordingly, and if Shakib or Tamim were available, adjustments would have been made. That said, the team will undoubtedly miss Tamim’s experience at the top and Shakib’s all-round brilliance.
Concerns over Shakib’s bowling action first surfaced last September during an English County Championship Division One match against Somerset. In that game, Shakib bowled 63 overs and took nine wickets, though his team Surrey lost by 111 runs. Nearly two months later, it was revealed that umpires had expressed doubts about his action during the match.
With the squad announcement deadline set for January 12 and changes permitted until February 12, the selectors have opted to name the team without Shakib for now. If Shakib clears his bowling action test during this period, he may still have a chance to join the squad.
Shakib underwent a bowling action test at Loughborough University’s medical department on December 2. The results, released on December 10, deemed his action illegal. He then retook the test in Chennai on December 21 after making adjustments, but the results were again negative. Since then, there’s been no credible news of Shakib attempting another test. Sources suggest he would need better preparation before retaking the test. Despite multiple attempts to contact Shakib, he was unavailable for comment. Reports indicate he is currently in the United States with his family.
According to ICC rules, without certification from an approved testing center validating his action, Shakib cannot bowl in any competition outside of domestic cricket. The question of whether he could still be included in the squad as a batsman lingered, but the BCB has decided against any uncertainty in their Champions Trophy squad.
Bangladesh’s Champions Trophy campaign will begin on February 20 against India in Dubai, followed by matches against New Zealand and Pakistan in Rawalpindi on February 24 and 27. While the selectors are leaving the door open for Shakib until February 12, his inclusion depends entirely on him clearing his action in time.
This raises speculation about whether Shakib already played his last international match during last year’s tour of India. During that tour in September-October, Shakib had announced his intention to retire from Test cricket after the South Africa home series at the end of October. However, political circumstances prevented him from fulfilling that wish. Government-level clearance to allow Shakib to play at home is still pending. While there wouldn’t have been an issue with him playing abroad, his bowling action remains the primary obstacle.
Perhaps it’s fate that a career filled with so much drama and speculation could end in a similar manner. Whether Shakib plays in the Champions Trophy or not, as long as he hasn’t officially announced his retirement, the speculation around him is likely to persist.
