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Bangladesh's cricketing icon, Shakib Al Hasan, has been handed a bowling ban in both domestic and international cricket, dealing a significant setback to the team just two months before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Bangladesh, one of the eight teams participating in the prestigious tournament, will now face the challenge of competing without their star all-rounder's bowling contributions.

BAN CONFIRMED BY BCB  

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed the ban, citing Shakib’s illegal bowling action as flagged by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The restriction applies to all competitions under the jurisdiction of the ICC and ECB. The BCB also announced that Shakib will soon undergo a reassessment test to potentially regain his eligibility.  

In its statement, the BCB clarified:  

“National team all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been suspended from bowling in competitions under the jurisdiction of the ECB. Consequently, Shakib is also barred from bowling in international cricket and domestic tournaments outside Bangladesh."  

The board added, “If the reassessment clears his action, Shakib will be allowed to bowl again in all formats and competitions.” Despite the ban, the 37-year-old remains eligible to play as a batsman and fielder. 

CHALLENGES IN 2024 FOR SHAKIB  

This development adds to an already challenging year for Shakib. His career trajectory has been impacted by his political affiliations, having served as a Member of Parliament for the now-dissolved Awami League government. On the cricketing front, Shakib has been absent from Bangladesh's recent series against Afghanistan and the West Indies.  

In 2024, Shakib announced his retirement from T20Is and revealed that the Dhaka Test next year would be his last. Despite these setbacks, he has remained active in franchise cricket, currently representing the Galle Marvels in the Lanka T10 League.  

A CRITICAL TIME FOR BANGLADESH  

The timing of the ban could not be worse for Bangladesh, as they gear up for the ICC Champions Trophy in February 2025. Shakib, known for his match-winning bowling performances, has been a pivotal figure for the team. The ban forces the team management to rethink their strategies and explore alternative options to fill the void in their bowling attack.  

While Shakib’s reassessment test holds the key to his return as a bowler, the uncertainty surrounding his availability adds to Bangladesh’s challenges in the lead-up to the global tournament.