Shakib Al Hasan expresses disappointment over lack of communication after ODI omission

Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan expressed his disappointment over the lack of communication from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) after he was left out of the squad for the Champions Trophy. His exclusion was a result of a suspect bowling action, which prevented him from ending his ODI career at the prestigious tournament.

The 37-year-old all-rounder was suspended from bowling by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) after being reported for a suspect action during a County Championship match between Surrey and Somerset in September 2024.

Due to the suspension, despite his vast experience of 71 Tests, 247 ODIs, and 129 T20Is, Shakib was not selected for Bangladesh’s Champions Trophy squad. The selectors chose not to include him solely as a batter.

However, Shakib was later cleared to bowl in both the County Championship and The Hundred after passing a third assessment test. The tests were conducted in England and India, and he had previously trained extensively to work on his action. Before taking the test, he trained for a week with his childhood mentor, Mohammad Salahuddin, and spent two weeks working with Surrey head coach and former England cricketer, Gareth Batty.

“Look, I don’t have any complaints, but if the communication had been better, I would have been happier,” Shakib remarked, expressing his disappointment over the situation.

Shakib also worked closely with Sirajullah Khadem, a former Bangladesh U-19 player, who shared his views on the incident. 

“I believe he was reported because he bowled a lot in that match. When you push yourself too hard, especially when fatigued, minor changes in your action can occur, leading to problems,” Khadem explained.

“He is looking sharp now and seems to have regained all his tricks,” he concluded, speaking about Shakib's recovery.