BANGLADESH: Bangladeshi cricketer Shakib Al Hasan is facing significant legal and professional challenges as a Dhaka court issued an arrest warrant against him on Sunday in connection with a bounced cheque case. The issue stems from a loan exceeding 40 million Taka (Dh1.2 million) taken by Shakib for his company, Shakib Al Hasan Agrofarm Limited, from IFIC Bank PLC. The bank’s attempts to recover the loan through a guarantee cheque signed by Shakib failed when the cheque was dishonoured. As a result, the bank filed a case against him.
Beyond legal issues, Shakib is also under scrutiny in the cricketing world. He recently failed a test of his bowling action for the second time, adding to the suspension he is already facing from top-flight domestic and international cricket. Shakib underwent an independent reassessment of his bowling action at the Sri Ramachandra Centre for Sports Science in Chennai, which confirmed the problems in his action. This comes after the umpires flagged his action while playing for Surrey in a County Championship match last September.
Shakib’s struggles with his bowling action began when he failed his first test at Loughborough University in the UK after his action was reported. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) subsequently suspended him from bowling in all competitions it oversees. Following this, the International Cricket Council (ICC) extended the ban to all ICC-approved domestic and international competitions, effectively sidelining Shakib from cricket entirely.
Adding to his woes, Shakib has been excluded from Bangladesh’s squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. The omission marks a significant setback for the seasoned all-rounder, whose career has been marred by legal and professional controversies. The dual challenges of addressing his bowling action issues and resolving legal matters will undoubtedly require Shakib to focus on rebuilding his cricketing career and personal reputation.
