Shakib Al Hasan claims to 'deliberately bowling with illegal action' during Surrey stint

KARACHI: Bangladesh's veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has made a startling revelation of deliberately bowling with an illegal bowling action during his County Championship for Surrey last year.

The all-rounder was banned from bowling in top-tier domestic and international cricket after his action was deemed to be suspect by on-field umpires, Steve O'Shaughnessy and David Millns, during Surrey's County Championship match against Somerset in September 2024 in Taunton.

After four months and three assessments, the final of which was done at Loughborough University, Shakib was cleared of a suspect bowling action in March earlier this year.

However, months after the revocation of his bowling suspension, Shakib Al Hasan has admitted that he intentionally bowled with an illegal bowling action during the one-off appearance for Surrey last year, stating that he was anticipating the on-field umpires to warn him, but they reported his action as per the law.

"For Surrey I bowled more than 70 overs in the match, which I had never done before. I was very tired after bowling long [spells]," said Shakib while speaking on YouTube's "Beard Before Wicket" podcast.

"I think I deliberately bowled with some illegal action.

"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]," Shakib remarked, recalling that he initially failed the bowling action test but managed to clear it later."