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Shakib Al Hasan, the renowned allrounder from Bangladesh, has recently found himself in the spotlight for a different reason than his usual cricketing prowess. Following his impressive performance for Surrey in the County Championship, where he took nine wickets against Somerset, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has requested an analysis of his bowling action after umpires reported it as suspect. This incident marks a significant moment in Shakib’s illustrious career, which has spanned over two decades and seen him become one of cricket’s most celebrated players.
A surprising turn of events for Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib’s stint with Surrey was intended to bolster the team during a critical phase in the County Championship, particularly as several key players were away on international duty. Despite his efforts, which included bowling over 63 overs in a single match, Surrey could not secure victory against Somerset, losing by 111 runs. The match showcased Shakib’s skills as a left-arm spinner, but it also led to scrutiny regarding his bowling technique. Although he was not no-balled during the game, umpires Steve O’Shaughnessy and David Millns later deemed his action questionable, prompting the ECB’s intervention.
The suspect action controversy
This situation is particularly noteworthy as it is reportedly the first time Shakib’s bowling action has come under scrutiny throughout his career. With 712 international wickets to his name across formats—including 246 scalps in Tests—this development raises questions about the integrity of his bowling technique. As negotiations are underway for Shakib to undergo further testing at an approved location, he remains eligible to play while awaiting these results.
The implications of this scrutiny extend beyond Shakib’s individual performance; they highlight the strict regulations governing bowling actions in cricket. The International Cricket Council (ICC) stipulates that bowlers must adhere to specific guidelines regarding elbow extension during delivery. For spin bowlers like Shakib, this means they can legally bend their arm up to 5 degrees when releasing the ball. Exceeding this limit can lead to accusations of “throwing,” which is considered an illegal action in cricket.
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Understanding legal bowling actions
In cricket, maintaining a legal bowling action is crucial for players across all formats. The ICC defines an illegal action as one where a bowler’s elbow extends more than 15 degrees from the horizontal position until the ball is released. For spinners specifically, the tolerance threshold allows for a maximum of 5 degrees of elbow extension. This tiered system also includes allowances for medium pacers (7.5 degrees) and fast bowlers (10 degrees).
Match officials are tasked with monitoring bowlers’ actions during games, using their judgment to identify any potential infractions. If they suspect illegal bowling techniques, they report the player for further testing at an ICC Accredited Testing Centre. Should a bowler be found guilty of using an illegal action, they face suspension until they can rectify their technique and pass subsequent assessments.
As Shakib navigates this unexpected challenge in his career, questions linger about his future with Bangladesh cricket. His recent withdrawal from a Test series against South Africa due to security concerns adds another layer of complexity to his situation.
