A calculated breach and a fatigued champion
After months of speculation and silence, Bangladesh’s most accomplished all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan, has laid bare the truth behind his bowling suspension during a stint with Surrey. Speaking on the Beard Before Wicket podcast, the veteran cricketer admitted that his illegal bowling action was no accident.
“I think I was doing it a little bit intentionally because I bowled more than 70 overs [in one match],” Shakib said, referencing a four-day County Championship match against Somerset in Taunton. The toll of back-to-back Tests against Pakistan followed by the grinding county schedule had clearly pushed him beyond physical limits. “I never bowled 70 overs in my career in a Test match. I was playing that four-day match for Surrey against Somerset in Taunton. I was so tired.”
The match in question saw Shakib bowl 63.2 overs across two innings—an unsustainable load even for the seasoned spinner. The result was a flagged action and subsequent testing at Loughborough University, where his bowling was deemed illegal under ECB and ICC regulations.
“I played back-to-back Test matches in Pakistan. We won that series and then I went to play those four-day matches. The only thing I was thinking the umpire could have done was just warn me first, at least. But it is in the rules, so they had the right. I didn’t complain.”
Despite the blow, Shakib remained composed during the disciplinary process.
“I was thinking that the umpire would give a warning, but he reported according to the law.”
“I also remained silent when I was reported [for suspected illegal action].”
After initially failing his biomechanical assessment, Shakib worked with Surrey to correct his action.
“I went to do the test, I failed. And then I saw my test. I was like, ‘okay, so these things are happening’. Then I had to train for a couple of weeks so I went back to Surrey again and they were kind enough to help me. I did two sessions and I was back to normal. I was like, ‘it’s so easy’.”
Retirement reversed: Shakib’s desire for one last hurrah
Just as the controversy surrounding his bowling action was fading, Shakib dropped another bombshell—he is not retired from international cricket.
“I am officially not retired from all formats.”
“This is the first time I’ll be revealing that. My plan is to go back to Bangladesh, play one full series of ODI, Test, and T20, and retire.”
This comes in direct contrast to his 2024 announcement that he would soon exit the international scene. Now, the all-rounder wants to orchestrate his farewell on his own terms, with a full series across formats.
“I mean, [I can] retire from all formats in a series. So it can start from T20I, ODI and Test, or Test, ODI, T20I. Either way, I’m fine, but I want to play a whole series and retire. That’s what I want.”
Shakib hasn’t played for Bangladesh since May 2024, when he left the country amid political upheaval. His absence was exacerbated by the collapse of the Awami League government, under which he served as a Member of Parliament.
Despite the uncertainty, Shakib remains optimistic about returning.
“I am hopeful to return to Bangladesh and that’s why I am playing and I think it will happen and that’s the reason, the only reason I am playing to stay fit and stay in shape so that I can make me available for international cricket.”
While fans may expect fireworks, Shakib insists that performance is not the goal of this farewell.
“I think when a player says something, they try to stick to their words. They normally don’t change it all of a sudden. It doesn’t matter if I play well or not. I might play a bad series after that, if I want to play. But I don’t need to do that.”
Instead, it’s a matter of closure and gratitude.
“I think this is enough. It’s just a nicer way to say bye to the fans that they supported me always, give something back to them, playing a home series.”
A legacy in flux: Cricket legend to political force?
Since making his international debut in 2006, Shakib has represented Bangladesh in 70 Test matches, 247 One Day Internationals, and 129 T20 Internationals, becoming one of the most consistent and versatile all-rounders in world cricket.
Shakib’s dual life as a cricketer and politician continues to unfold in complex ways. His last stint in Bangladeshi politics saw him elected as a Member of Parliament from Magura under the Awami League. However, the government’s ousting in August 2024 and Shakib’s public birthday message to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reportedly led to his being barred from returning to the national team.
Yet the 36-year-old has not ruled out a full-time political career.
“[I have] done my cricketing part. Maybe political side is left. It’s something I want to do for the people of Bangladesh and people of Magura. That was my intention, and it is still my intention. Let’s see where Allah takes me.”
As Shakib waits for the opportunity to return home, he remains active in T20 leagues, maintaining fitness and form. Whether he gets his final series or pivots fully into politics, one thing is clear: the next chapter of Shakib Al Hasan’s story is still being written.
