Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was asked to undergo analysis of his bowling action by the England and Wales Cricket Board after he was reported by umpires during his one-off appearance for Surrey in this season’s County Championship.
Shakib, 37, claimed nine wickets for Surrey in a thrilling Championship clash with Somerset at Taunton in September, his first appearance in the competition since a brief spell with Worcestershire in 2010-11.
As a left-arm spinner, he had agreed a short-term deal to shore up Surrey’s resources for their title challenge, at a time when eight players were absent in England, including their two frontline players, Will Jacks and Dan Lawrence. .
He bowled over 63 overs in the match, and although he did not receive a ball at any time for bowling, it has now emerged that the on-field umpires, Steve O’Shaughnessy and David Millns, subsequently deemed his bowling action to be suspicious.
He is not suspended from the game, but ESPNcricinfo understands that negotiations are underway for Shakib to undergo further testing at an approved location, with the expectation that this will occur within the next two weeks.
It is believed to be the first time Shakib’s bowling action has come under scrutiny, in a career that has spanned two decades and featured a total of 712 wickets in 447 international matches, including 246 in 71 Tests.