In a shocking development, Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been suspended from bowling by the English and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) after the governing body found his bowling action to be illegitimate. An independent assessment conducted by Loughborough University indicated irregularities in the left-arm spinner’s action.

Shakib's bowling action first came under the scanner during his solitary appearance for Surrey in a county match against Somerset in September, held in Taunton. The on-field umpires Steve O'Shaughnessy and David Millns were the first to observe his action firsthand and didn't particularly seem too pleased with it.

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How was the ban imposed on Shakib? 

As soon as Shakib was reported by the on-field umpires, he was required to undergo an analysis of his bowling action at Loughborough University. Over there, it was revealed that Shakib's left elbow extension was beyond the 15-degree mark as allowed by the guidelines. This development subsequently resulted in a ban as confirmed by a recent statement issued by the ECB. 

"Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been suspended from bowling in ECB competitions following an independent assessment of his bowling action. Shakib’s action was reported by the standing umpires while he was playing for Surrey in the County Championship match against Somerset in September. Shakib completed an independent assessment at Loughborough University earlier this month, which found that the elbow extension in his bowling action exceeded the 15-degree threshold as defined in the Regulations."

The statement further read that Shakib's suspension is effective from December 10, 2024, and is required to adhere to processes defined by the ECB’s Regulations for the Review of Bowlers Reported which primarily deals with cases of suspect bowling actions. Moreover, Shakib cannot play a role with the ball in ECB competitions until and unless he clears an independent re-assessment of his bowling action.

"This suspension takes effect from the receipt of the independent assessment on 10 December 2024, and follows the process set out in the ECB’s Regulations for the Review of Bowlers Reported with a Suspected Illegal Bowling Action. Shakib is ineligible to bowl in ECB competitions until he has passed an independent re-assessment of his bowling action."

How will the suspension impact his international career

Although Shakib's suspension does not go beyond the jurisdiction of the ECB's domestic arena, section 11.3 of the ICC regulations states that the ban could extend beyond ECB-organised events which could negatively dent his international career and affect his participation in leagues around the world. As a first step to resuming his bowling, Shakib will need to take up a re-assessment of his bowling action and must be cleared by the ECB to bowl again.

Bangladesh cricket’s journey is set to take a fresh turn with the appointment of Mohammad Salahuddin as Senior Assistant Coach for the national team. With over two decades of coaching experience, Salahuddin has big ambitions, not only for the team’s immediate goals but for the future of local coaches in the national setup. His return marks a significant move under Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) new president, Faruque Ahmed, who looks to empower local coaching talent and break away from past hesitations. Salahuddin’s contract, running through March 2024, will officially begin with Bangladesh's upcoming tour to the West Indies.

Local coaches in the national arena

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has traditionally been cautious about assigning major responsibilities to local coaches. However, under the leadership of BCB president Faruque Ahmed, a shift is underway. Salahuddin, who holds an ACC-Cricket Australia Level 3 coaching accreditation, brings years of national and international coaching experience, having previously served Bangladesh as Assistant Coach and Fielding Coach from 2006 to 2010.

In his statement on Friday, Salahuddin expressed his gratitude for this opportunity and emphasized his vision for the local coaching community. He highlighted that his goal is not only to guide players tactically but also to build a mindset where the next generation dreams bigger and pursues consistent self-improvement. He believes this can have a long-term positive impact on the players’ mindset, saying, “As a coach, I think this is the biggest challenge for me — to make them think that they will dominate world cricket in the future.”

Salahuddin also acknowledged BCB president Faruque Ahmed’s role in his appointment, stating that Ahmed reached out multiple times to ensure Salahuddin joined the coaching team. This sense of mutual commitment adds weight to Salahuddin’s objectives of fostering local talent, which he sees as a crucial responsibility.

Building a platform for future local coaches

One of Salahuddin’s primary aims in his new role is to lay a foundation for local coaches to have a stronger presence in Bangladesh's cricket landscape. For years, discussions had been ongoing about providing a platform for Bangladeshi coaches to step into the national setup. Salahuddin now sees his appointment as an opportunity to create this pathway.

By setting a strong example, Salahuddin hopes to encourage the board to place more trust in Bangladeshi coaches in the future. “If I can pave the way, even if it’s for a short time, our local coaches might also do well,” he said, noting that such a move would help bolster the confidence of aspiring coaches and elevate the status of Bangladeshi coaching talent on the international stage.

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In addition, Salahuddin emphasized his commitment to helping players in all aspects—mentally, technically, and tactically—while also sharing his experiences with the team. Reflecting on his previous tenure, he acknowledged the contributions of past players like Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, and Mushfiqur Rahim and expressed a desire to assist the next generation of players with the same dedication.

Mohammad Salahuddin’s return as Senior Assistant Coach for Bangladesh’s national cricket team marks a new chapter in his career and an opportunity for growth within Bangladesh’s coaching community. With his focus on player development, building confidence, and creating a foundation for future local coaches, Salahuddin’s presence is set to inspire both current players and aspiring coaches. As Bangladesh gears up for the West Indies tour, this fresh approach could set the tone for a new era in Bangladesh cricket, where the role of local talent—both on the field and in coaching—is more prominent than ever.

As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 approaches, cricket fans eagerly anticipate the competition. Among the participating teams, Bangladesh stands out with a unique blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talent.

The Bangladesh squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 is a balanced mix of experience and youth. While there are areas that need improvement, the team has the potential to make a significant impact on the tournament.

With strategic planning and execution, Bangladesh can overcome its weaknesses and threats to harness its strengths and opportunities. The journey promises to be exciting, and cricket fans will be eagerly watching how the team performs on this grand stage.

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Bangladesh, in Group D, open their T20 World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka on June 8 in Dallas before heading to New York to play South Africa (June 10), and then to St Vincent to take on Netherlands (June 13) and Nepal (June 16). They will also play two warm- up games, against USA on May 28, and opposite India on June 1 before the main tournament.

SWOT Analysis of Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad

Strengths

One of Bangladesh’s biggest strengths is their experienced core, led by the ever-reliable Shakib Al Hasan. Shakib’s all-round abilities bring balance to the team, offering both batting stability and crucial breakthroughs with the ball. His wealth of experience in international cricket, particularly in high-stakes matches, is invaluable for guiding the younger players.

Young talents like Tanzid Hasan and Towhid Hridoy inject youthful energy and fearlessness into the squad. Tanzid Hasan has already shown promise in the few T20Is he has played, displaying a knack for aggressive starts. Towhid Hridoy’s fearless approach can be a game-changer, especially in high-pressure situations where quick runs are needed.

Bangladesh’s spin department is another formidable asset. Led by Shakib Al Hasan and supported by Mahedi Hasan and Tanvir Islam, this spin trio can effectively exploit turning tracks. Their ability to control the middle overs and take crucial wickets will be key to Bangladesh’s success in the tournament.

Weaknesses

A major concern for Bangladesh is their inconsistent batting, particularly at the top of the order. Litton Das and Soumya Sarkar have struggled for form, creating instability in the opening partnership. Although Tanzid Hasan has shown potential, his limited experience makes the opening pair vulnerable.

While Taskin Ahmed spearheads the pace attack, there needs to be more depth in the fast-bowling department. The squad lacks a proven fast bowler who can consistently deliver in the death overs, which could be problematic against stronger batting lineups.

Bangladesh’s fielding has been a persistent issue, with dropped catches and misfields often costing them crucial runs. Improving fielding standards will be essential to complement their bowling efforts and maintain pressure on the opposition.

Opportunities

The T20 World Cup 2024, being hosted in the USA and the Caribbean, offers Bangladesh a unique opportunity to showcase its talent on a global stage. This exposure can boost the players’ confidence and attract international attention to their cricketing prowess.

Often underestimated, Bangladesh can leverage the underdog advantage. Playing without the heavy burden of expectations allows them to perform more freely and pull off upsets against more favored teams.

Playing in diverse conditions across different USA and Caribbean venues can help Bangladesh adapt and strategize effectively. This adaptability will benefit them not only in this tournament but also in future international tours.

Threats

Bangladesh faces tough competition from teams with stronger T20 reputations. The psychological and on-field challenges these stronger opponents pose could be intimidating and impact their performance.

Injuries to key players like Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman have previously hampered Bangladesh’s campaigns. Ensuring these players remain fit and available throughout the tournament will be crucial for the team’s success.

Weather interruptions, such as the cancellation of warm-up matches, can disrupt the team’s momentum and strategy. Unpredictable weather conditions in the Caribbean could pose a threat to their campaign.

Bangladesh squad for T20 World Cup

Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Taskin Ahmed (vice-capt), Litton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Shakib Al Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Tanvir Islam, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan
Traveling reserves: Hasan Mahmud, Afif Hossain

Najmul Hossain Shanto’s appointment as Bangladesh captain across all formats earlier this year marks a significant milestone in his career. Now, he is set to steer his team in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, showcasing his leadership mettle on the global stage.

Impressive Performance Against Zimbabwe

Bangladesh’s confidence was substantially boosted following their impressive 4-1 victory over Zimbabwe in the recently concluded T20I home series. This victory served as a testament to the team’s capabilities and set the stage for their campaign in the T20 World Cup.

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Key Inclusions in the Squad

The announcement of Bangladesh’s 15-member squad for the marquee event brought a blend of experience and youth. Notably, the return of seasoned all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan to T20I cricket after a hiatus of almost a year added depth to the squad. Shakib’s stellar performance in the final two T20Is against Zimbabwe, where he clinched a four-wicket haul, underscored his value to the team.

Young Talents in Focus

While Bangladesh’s squad selection did not include any major surprises, the inclusion of young quick Tanzim Hasan Sakib after his promising performances against Zimbabwe showcased the team’s commitment to nurturing emerging talents. Additionally, the selection of left-arm quick Shoriful Islam further bolstered the team’s pace attack, adding variety and depth to the bowling unit.

Group Dynamics

Bangladesh is placed in Group D alongside formidable opponents such as South Africa, Sri Lanka, the Netherlands, and Nepal. The group promises to be fiercely competitive, with each team vying for a spot in the tournament’s knockout stages. Bangladesh’s journey kicks off with a crucial encounter against Sri Lanka in Dallas on June 7th.

Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Taskin Ahmed, Litton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Shakib Al Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah Riyad, Jaker Ali Anik, Tanvir Islam, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib. Travelling reserves: Afif Hossain, Hasan Mahmud

The Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka cricket match sparks yet another controversy, offering fans an eventful spectacle. The ongoing second T20I of the three-match series unfolds at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet.

In a pivotal moment during the second innings, Sri Lanka finds themselves in turmoil. On the first delivery of the fourth over, Binura Fernando delivers a skiddy back-of-a-length ball, angling in from around off. Soumya Sarkar attempts a pull shot but fails to make contact.

The DRS Drama: Sarkar’s Controversial Decision Keeps Sri Lanka on Edge

A distinct sound accompanies the ball’s passage to Kusal Mendis, prompting the Sri Lankan team’s appeal and the umpire’s decision to give it out. However, Sarkar vehemently denies making contact and opts for the DRS after consulting his partner, Litton Das.

Upon review by the third umpire, replays indicate a spike. Nevertheless, the official determines there’s a discernible gap between bat and ball. The umpire concludes that the spike occurs post-ball passage, contradicting the Sri Lankan players’ discontent.

Sri Lanka’s Head Coach, Chris Silverwood, expressed intense frustration with the third umpire’s decision. Players like Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Charith Asalanka, and others surrounded the on-field umpires, engaging in lively discussions with visible animation.

Adding insult to injury for Sri Lanka, Soumya Sarkar swiftly followed up with a boundary on the subsequent delivery. The left-handed batsman played a crucial role at the top of the order, spearheading Bangladesh’s valiant pursuit of 166 runs.

Partnering with Litton Das, Sarkar amassed 68 runs for the opening stand, applying relentless pressure on Sri Lanka from the outset. Sarkar contributed 26 runs off 22 balls, while Das ended his innings with a commendable 36 runs off 24 deliveries.

Bangladesh Clinches Victory in Second T20I Against Sri Lanka, Leveling the Series

Following a strong start by Soumya Sarkar and Litton Das, Matheesha Pathirana’s performance for Sri Lanka injected new life into the game. Removing both openers within two overs, he reignited hopes for Sri Lankan fans.

However, the new skipper, Najmul Hossain Shanto (53), and Towhid Hridoy (32), showcased exceptional prowess, steering Bangladesh towards victory. The pair formed an unbroken 87-run partnership, securing an eight-wicket win with two overs to spare. This result leveled the series 1-1, with one match remaining.

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In the first innings, Sri Lanka amassed a total of 165 runs on the scoreboard. Kusal Mendis (36) and Kamindu Mendis (37) provided a solid foundation at the top. Following their dismissals, Charith Asalanka (28), Angelo Mathews (32), and Dasun Shanaka (20) made valuable contributions, propelling the team beyond the 160-run mark.

In the ongoing first T20I between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh’s Shoriful Islam emerged as the center of attention. The competition between the two teams has intensified, with Shoriful Islam seizing every opportunity to playfully needle the opposition. Following his dismissal of Avishka Fernando, Shoriful Islam couldn’t resist taunting Sri Lanka with a cheeky imitation of the timed-out celebration.

Sparking Controversy: The Timed-Out Dismissal Incident

The moment occurred during the second ball of the innings when Shoriful Islam delivered a fuller-length ball outside off stump. Avishka Fernando, attempting a forceful drive, only managed to edge the ball, resulting in an easy catch for wicketkeeper Litton Das. While the dismissal itself was routine, Shoriful Islam’s post-wicket antics drew widespread attention. His mocking gesture, reminiscent of Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews’ dismissal during the ICC World Cup 2023 game against Bangladesh, added an extra layer of amusement to the match.

In that game, Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan had famously appealed for a timed-out dismissal against Mathews, who faced delays due to a broken helmet strap, sparking controversy and banter alike.

However, the Bangladesh skipper’s request for a timed-out dismissal didn’t sit well with everyone, as the decision was made to give the batter out. Angelo Mathews was visibly angered by this turn of events, sparking a high-intensity battle between the two teams. Since then, both sides have spared no effort in exchanging verbal volleys and competitive jibes, adding fuel to their ongoing rivalry.

Shoriful Islam leaks 47 runs in his 4 overs as Sri Lanka amass a colossal total of 206 runs

In the ongoing match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, the island nation made an explosive start with the bat, posting an imposing total on the scoreboard. Led by Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka opted to bat first, capitalizing on favorable batting conditions.

Following Avishka Fernando’s departure, Kusal Mendis anchored the innings, crafting a splendid half-century with 59 runs off 36 deliveries. Kamindu Mendis provided valuable support with a contribution of 19 runs, consolidating the middle order.

However, the real onslaught came from Sadeera Samarawickrama (61) and skipper Charith Asalanka (44). The pair launched a ferocious assault on the Bangladesh bowlers, ruthlessly dismantling the opposition’s attack. Their unbeaten partnership of 73 runs off just 33 balls propelled Sri Lanka to a commanding total of 206 runs on the scoreboard.

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The Bangladesh bowlers endured a tough outing, with Shoriful Islam claiming one wicket but conceding 47 runs. Taskin Ahmad managed to secure a wicket as well, while Rishad Hossain also contributed with a dismissal. However, Bangladesh faced a challenging start in their chase, losing early wickets and feeling the pressure.

Angelo Mathews emerged as the standout performer among the bowlers in the game, having picked up two crucial wickets. Matheesha Pathirana and Binura Fernando also made valuable contributions, each chipping in with one wicket apiece.

Veteran Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik is poised for a comeback to the Fortune Barishal squad on February 2nd, rejoining the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) after a brief hiatus last week. The 42-year-old is anticipated to participate in the team’s concluding match in the Sylhet leg against the Khulna Tigers on February 3rd.

In a noteworthy development, Ahmed Shehzad has entered the Fortune Barishal lineup in Sylhet for the 2024 Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) season. Shehzad steps in as a replacement for Shoaib Malik, who departed from the team mid-season.

Shoaib Malik had initially returned to Dubai after featuring in just three games for the team, citing personal reasons for his departure. The seasoned Pakistani cricketer faced a lackluster performance in this year’s BPL, accumulating scores of only 17, 5, and 7 runs in three games while securing just one wicket. Speculation arose regarding possible match-fixing charges leading to his abrupt exit from the squad.

Initially, reports hinted at the termination of Malik’s contract with the team due to these allegations. However, franchise owner Mizanur Rahman dispelled any such rumors via social media, unequivocally denying any spot-fixing charges against the player.

Previously, Shoaib Malik had released an official statement elucidating the rationale behind his withdrawal from the Bangladesh Premier League. He also emphasized that the decision was a mutual understanding for planning his future with Fortune Barishal.

“I want to clarify and dispel the recent rumors surrounding my playing status with Fortune Barishal. After a comprehensive discussion with our captain, Tamim Iqbal, we mutually strategized our course of action. My departure from Bangladesh was necessitated by a pre-arranged media commitment in Dubai.”

In the fourth over of the innings, the Pakistani all-rounder conceded 18 runs due to no-balls and subsequent free hits. Regrettably, Fortune Barishal ended up losing the match as their opponents successfully chased down the 188-run target with two overs to spare and eight wickets in hand.

Subsequent to this occurrence, considerable speculation and debate arose regarding match-fixing suspicions, with particular attention drawn to Shoaib Malik’s no-ball mishap against the Khulna Tigers.

Shoaib Malik has experienced a whirlwind on social media in the past two weeks. His official declaration of divorce from Indian tennis star Sania Mirza marked the conclusion of his second marriage. Shortly thereafter, the 41-year-old Malik tied the knot with Pakistani actress Sana Javed, who is 30 years old.

Fortune Barishal’s upcoming match is slated for February 3rd against the Khulna Tigers. The team currently holds the fifth position on the points table, securing victories in two out of their five matches thus far.

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On Sunday, a BCB official revealed that Tamim Iqbal, the former ODI skipper of Bangladesh, has formally requested the Bangladesh Cricket Board not to include him in the upcoming central contract list. This appeal follows Tamim’s previous statement, indicating that he would determine the future of his international career after discussions with BCB President Nazmul Hassan. Their previous meeting was cut short due to the BCB president’s commitments to the upcoming general election campaign.

Tamim, who last played for Bangladesh in the three-match home ODI series against New Zealand in September before the ICC World Cup in India, participated in only one Test and 12 ODIs in 2023. The 34-year-old chose to make himself unavailable for the World Cup due to disagreements with BCB leadership and team management. Consequently, he did not feature in the home Test series against New Zealand or the ongoing tour.

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Despite his absence, Tamim clarified last month that he intends to make a comeback to competitive cricket through the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League, the nation’s exclusive franchise-based T20 tournament, scheduled to commence on January 19.

Jalal Yunus, the chairman of BCB cricket operations, shared that Tamim expressed his personal plans and requested not to be included in the central contract list. He further mentioned that Tamim is expected to meet with the BCB president after the national election to determine the subsequent steps. The finalization of the central contract list by BCB is anticipated by December 31, pending approval from the BCB president.