Leading Bangladeshi Cricket all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been suspended from all types of cricket domestic or international for a period of six months. He will not be permitted to play anywhere for other country organized league till 31 December 2015.
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) executive committee took this decision following Shakib’s alleged threat for not playing for Bangladesh in response to BCB order of his return home after he left the country for playing in CPL without formal permission of appropriate authority. Shakib reportedly informed this to the recently appointed Bangladesh Cricket Coach. Chandrika Hathurusinghe.
Shakib Al Hasan is undoubtedly enjoys star attraction in Bangladesh and world cricket for brilliant all round performance in domestic, international arena over the past several years. Hissterling performance on the biggest stages brought him accolades from international analysts and glorified Bangladesh Cricket. He has been the number one all-rounder in the ICC ODI and Test rankings. Recently he became the sixth most valuable player at the Indian Premier League and was also awarded the best T20 all-rounder in the CEAT cricket award night.
But regardless of whether he is the most valuable and important player of Bangladesh or not, Shakib’s career is not running so smoothly. He was suspended by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) for three matches during the Asia Cup because of his bad behavior.
He made ugly gestures before electronic media which was widely broadcasted. He was again in the news during the recent India Bangladesh ODI series. He entered into brawl with a group of youngsters allegedly making in decorative comments about his wife during the match. Sakib brought the BCB code of conduct leaving the dressing room without permission during the tenure of the match.
The matter went a bit far following Sakib resorting to police action leading to arrest of alleged offenders. There were reports in the media that the group of boys was manhandled in the BCB office of Meerpoor Stadium following the incident. It was reported that Shakib, along with some security members, attacked those boys aggressively. Although Shakib was provoked such actions cannot be condoned.
The BCB took no action, but a few days ago Shakib went to play in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) without seeking permission of BCB - the CPL is a competition for which a No Objection Certificate (NOC) is required. New Bangladesh coach Chandrika Hathurusinghe advised him to return before 31st July and participate in practice sessions from 1st August. But Shakib reportedly wanted to play the full tournament and he disagreed with the coach.
Shakib Al Hasan should have realized that he is the most loved and popular Bangladeshi player and also an inspiration to young cricketers. Bangladesh Cricket is in a deep crisis now and the situation demands responsible behavior and inspirational actions from senior professional like Shakib. Cricketers of Bangladesh are professionals like any other professionals. They are obligated to BCB under specific players’ code of conduct. Earlier on few occasions Shakib talked with media without permission and bitterly criticized senior cricketers.
During the recent argument with the new coach Shakib reportedly threatened of retiring from Tests and ODIs. Hathurusinghe brought this to BCB notice following which Shakib was called back.BCB President Hasan was dismayed and before the formal BCB meeting or before getting an explanation from Sakib he expressed his intention of suspending Shakib.
On return to Bangladesh, Shakib told the media that he hadn’t threatened the coach about retiring. He said that this type of argument happens in all families and he has expressed his regret to the coach. The reports coming from Bangladesh state of BCB suspending Shakib from all type of Cricket matches for a period of six months and debar him from playing in IPL, KFC Big bash , CPL type of tournament till 31 December 2015 .
In general view the BCB decision appears very harsh. BCB created some monsters in Bangladesh Cricketer for their own follies. In a recent discussion with this reporter leading Bangladesh all-rounder of first generation of Bangladesh Cricket Yusuf Rahman Babu mentioned, “BCB did not milk the cow when in barn. Now they will find it difficult to bring its Frankenstein under control”. The decision on Shakib appears to be hyperactive from an inactive board about disciplinary actions.
Many of BCB activities over the last couple of years appeared unprofessional, non-transparent and questionable. On many occasions selection of the team raised doubts and confusions. Disgruntled Bangladesh Coach returned prematurely. Media reported some incidents of corruptions and malpractices as well. There was no authentic probe into continued abysmal performance of a team which was doing so wonderfully well in the not too distant past.
No one will support indiscreet behavior and attitude of Shakib and disregard to BCB code of conduct. But in consideration of his contribution to Bangladesh Cricket in the past and glorifying the nation with his performance in various prestigious events he should be given an opportunity again to seek an unconditional apology and a token punishment for three months, some tests and ODIs.
Engr Khondkar A Saleque Sufi is a NRB Energy Professional and free lance sports Writer, has over four decades of sport writing experience starting from his BUET days in 1970s . He lives in Australia and spends his leisure in writing on Energy & Sports in different International magazines and Journals.
BDST: 2045 HRS, JUL 07, 2014
