Shakib Al Hasan fails bowling reassessment test, Champions Trophy place in doubt

Shakib Al Hasan's hopes of making it to the Champions Trophy squad was dealt a serious blow as the Bangladesh all-rounder failed the reassessment test in India to clear his bowling action. Shakib was given a ban by the ECB after being suspected of an illegal action during a county game.

In Short

• Shakib can continue as a batter in international cricket
• The all-rounder had failed the first test in England
• Shakib's last competitive appearance came in November 2024

Shakib Al Hasan's participation in the upcoming Champions Trophy is under serious doubt as the all-rounder failed the reassessment test of his bowling action in India last month. Shakib was found to have an illegal bowling action during a county match in England and was subsequently given a ban. This would extend into international cricket, which was automatic under ICC regulations.

The all-rounder had undergone a test at Loughborough University, but the results came out to be negative. He subsequently underwent a second test in Chennai, as the results were being eagerly awaited by the Bangladesh cricket board. However, the result came back negative once again. In a statement released on Saturday, January 11, the BCB said that Shakib's bowling ban would remain in place. The statement reiterated that Shakib can continue to play as a batter for the side.

"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," BCB said in a statement. "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."

Shakib's place in Champions Trophy squad under doubt

The result has come as a major blow for Shakib, whose hopes of now making it to the Bangladesh Champions Trophy squad hang by a thread. Bangladesh captain Najimul Shanto and BCB chief Faruque Ahmed had decided in favour of having the all-rounder in the squad if he was able to clear the test.

Shakib Al Hasan has been absent from international cricket since Bangladesh's 0-2 Test series defeat against India. He also missed his planned farewell Test against South Africa at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.

His last competitive appearance was in November, when he represented the Bangla Tigers in the T10 League. Shakib is not participating in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League either.