Setback To Shakib Al Hasan As Champions Trophy Hopes Nosedive After Failed Reassessment Test (Source: PTI)
Premier Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan's ban will continue after the veteran failed the reassessment test in Chennai, confirmed the Bangladesh Cricket Board. With ICC Champions Trophy lined up, this is a body blow to Bangladesh given the value Shakib brings to the table. While Shakib can still play as a batter, he was the team's premier spinner and would have been handy in the subcontinent conditions.
“Consequently, the player’s existing suspension from bowling in international cricket following the initial independent assessment at the testing centre of Loughborough University in the UK, also remains in place,” BCB said in its statement as quoted by Cricbuzz. “A successful reassessment is required for the bowling suspension to be lifted. While Shakib is currently unable to bowl, he is eligible to continue playing as a batsman in all forms of domestic and international cricket.”
The failed test means that the chances of Shakib Al Hasan getting picked in the Bangladesh squad are slim. A member of the selection panel confirmed Cricbuzz that BCB won't be interested in Shakib for the Champions Trophy if he is not bowling. With Tamim Iqbal announcing retirement, and Shakib not allowed to bowl, Bangladesh could be without two of their greats in ICC Champions Trophy.
"If he (Shakib) is not bowling chances are slim (to play in the Champions Trophy)."
"Tamim is sorted (having announced retirement), and Shakib needs to come after giving his third (bowling reassessment) test and I am in doubt regarding his chances in the tournament," he said. "So you can say that we are preparing the squad without them (Tamim and Shakib) as we will not be thinking of Shakib if he is not bowling. If BCB feels that he can come after the test, we can go for replacement as we have time," he said.
Shakib was reported for suspect bowling action in the only game he played for Surrey in September. Initially, it was assumed that Shakib was banned from bowling in English competitions, the BCB clarified that the ban was applicable to all international matches. This was the first instance of Shakib being reported for suspected action. The veteran all-rounder is one of the greats of the game, the only player to score over 14000 runs and take 700 wickets in international cricket. Shakib is retired from Test and T20Is, but he still hopes to play ODI cricket for Bangladesh.
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