Shakib Al Hasana well-known all-rounder Bangladeshrecently came into the limelight for a different reason than his usual cricketing prowess. After an impressive performance for Surrey in the year District championshiphe took nine wickets against Somersetthe England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) He demanded an analysis of his bowling action after the umpires declared it suspect. The occasion marks a landmark in Shakib’s illustrious career spanning more than two decades and making him one of cricket’s most celebrated players.
A surprising turn of events for Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib’s tenure with Surrey was aimed at strengthening the squad at a critical juncture in the County Championship, especially with several key players on international duty. Despite their efforts, which included bowling over 63 in a match, Surrey failed to secure victory over Somerset, losing by 111 runs. The match showcased Shakib’s skills as a left-arm spinner, but it also prompted scrutiny of his bowling technique. Although he was off the ball throughout the game, the umpires Steve O’Shaughnessy and David Mills later deemed his action suspicious, prompting the ECB to intervene.
Suspicious action controversy
This situation is particularly noteworthy as Shakib’s bowling action is reportedly under the spotlight for the first time in 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 the player has been negotiated for further testing at an approved location, he is eligible to play pending those results.
The results of this review go beyond Shakib’s individual performance; they emphasize the strict rules governing bowling action in cricket. The International Cricket Council (ICC) It stipulates that bowlers must follow special rules 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 charges of ‘throwing’, which is considered an illegal act in cricket.
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Understanding legal bowling moves
Maintaining a legal bowling action in cricket is very important for players in all formats. The ICC defines illegal action as a bowler’s elbow extending more than 15 degrees from horizontal before the ball is released. For spinners in particular, the tolerance limit allows a maximum of 5 degrees of elbow extension. This tier system also includes allowances for medium pacers (7.5 grades) and fast bowlers (10 grades).
Match officials are tasked with monitoring the bowlers’ movements during play, using their discretion to identify any potential offences. If they suspect illegal bowling techniques, they report the player for further testing ICC Accredited Test Centre. If a bowler is found guilty of using an illegal motion, they face suspension until they can correct their technique and undergo further evaluations.
As Shakib tackles this unexpected challenge in his career, questions remain about his future with Bangladesh cricket. Last shot from a Test series against South Africa adding another layer of complexity to the situation due to security concerns.
