Bangladesh wait on Shakib Al Hasan's test results for Champions Trophy selection

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is eagerly waiting for the test results of Shakib Al Hasan's bowling action before naming their squad for the Champions Trophy to be held in February.

In Short

• Shakib Al Hasan was banned from bowling by the ECB and ICC last year
• Shakib failed a bowling test at Loughborough University
• Shakib is in contention for a berth in the Champions Trophy squad

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is waiting for the test results on Shakib Al Hasan’s bowling action before naming their squad for the Champions Trophy 2025. The participating teams need to announce their squads by January 12. Last year, in September, Shakib was reported for suspect action during a county match for Surrey, after which the ECB suspended him from bowling.

As per clause 11.3 of the ICC's regulations for illegal bowling actions, the ICC banned Shakib from bowling in international cricket and by domestic teams in competitions around the world. The all-rounder went through a bowling test at Loughborough University, but the results were negative.

Subsequently, Shakib underwent a second bowling test in Chennai, the results of which are still awaited. BCB's chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain called the entire incident ‘shocking’ and said that BCB is patiently waiting for the results.

"It was very shocking to hear that Shakib couldn't pass the bowling action test (at Loughborough). I will have to find out whether he has tested himself again,” Hossain was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

"We have to wait for this information. The board hasn't instructed us fully on Shakib. I think every minute counts. I am sure we can clarify this in a day or two,” Hossain added.

Najmul Hossain Shanto, the Bangladesh captain, and Faruque Ahmed, the BCB chief, decided in favour of Shakib’s inclusion if the veteran passes his bowling test.

Shakib hasn’t played any form of international cricket since the Test series against India, which Bangladesh lost 0-2. He also missed out on playing his ‘farewell’ Test against South Africa at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.

Shakib last played any form of cricket in November, representing Bangla Tiger in the T10 League. He is also not a part of the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League.