Alec Stewart, Surrey's director of cricket, described the decision to bring in Shakib Al Hasan on a one-match deal as an "easy choice," as the club confirmed the star allrounder's participation in their crucial County Championship fixture against Somerset at Taunton this week.
Surrey, aiming for a third consecutive Championship title in Stewart's final season, leads the table by 24 points over second-placed Somerset, with just three games remaining. However, they face a selection challenge with eight players away on England duty due to the overlap with the Sri Lanka Test series and the Australia T20Is.
Among those missing are key spin-bowling all-rounders Will Jacks and Dan Lawrence. Stewart acknowledged the team’s need for reinforcements: "We’ve known for some time that this fixture would clash with international commitments, particularly affecting our spinning all-rounders. When the opportunity to sign a player of Shakib’s calibre arose, it was an easy decision."
Shakib, who replaces Sai Sudharsan—recently recalled to India for the Duleep Trophy—brings both batting and bowling expertise to Surrey’s squad. For Shakib, this fixture also serves as preparation ahead of Bangladesh's upcoming Test series in India.
"I’m excited to represent Surrey, one of the most prestigious clubs in the world," Shakib said. "I’m here to make an impact and help the team achieve their goals this season."
In addition to Shakib’s arrival, Surrey has persuaded Tom Curran to make a return to first-class cricket, his first appearance in two years. Curran had stepped back from red-ball cricket in early 2023 for his physical and mental well-being but has been included in Surrey's 15-man squad.
Despite the absence of key players like Ollie Pope, Gus Atkinson, Sam Curran, Reece Topley, Jamie Overton, and Jamie Smith, Surrey will still field a squad featuring seven internationals. Somerset, meanwhile, has bolstered their ranks with New Zealand seamer Brett Randell, who has signed a short-term deal.
Elsewhere, Lancashire have signed Trinidadian seamer Anderson Phillip for their final three Championship matches as they fight to avoid relegation, after a potential deal for Pakistan's Mohammad Ali fell through.