Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been reported by the umpires due to a suspect bowling action during his one-off appearance for Surrey in this season’s County Championship.
Shakib was asked to undergo analysis of his bowling action by the England and Wales Cricket Board.
Shakib scalped nine wickets for Surrey in a thrilling Championship clash against Somerset at Taunton in September where the all-rounder bowled more than 63 overs and picked up nine wickets. However, it has now been learnt that the on-field umpires, Steve O’Shaughnessy and David Millns, subsequently deemed his bowling action to be suspect.
It was Shakib’s first appearance in the competition since a brief stint with Worcestershire in 2010-11, having decided to feature for Surrey for a short-term as eight players were absent on England duty.
It is understood that Shakib is not suspended from playing but he will need to undergo further tests in an approved location within the next couple of weeks. It is a major surprise for Shakib whose bowling action has never come under scrutiny during his more than 17-year career, that saw him pick 712 wickets across 447 international matches.
“The matter (Shakib’s suspect bowling action) has no connection to international cricket or domestic cricket in other countries. The matter is under ECB jurisdiction and not related to ICC or other boards,” a BCB official said on Monday when his attention was drawn regarding the matter adding that if Shakib wants to further play domestic cricket in England in that case he will have to appear in a test.
Shakib was not picked for the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. He insisted that he needs some more time to recover after being asked not to return home to play his farewell Test against South Africa, he wished for while announcing his retirement.
