For a couple of days in the flash of FIFA World Cup 2014 BCB added enough fuel announcing of unilateral disciplinary action against the country’s celebrated cricketer and recent ICC top ranked all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan for alleged attitude problem.
The media report stated BCB executive committee deciding of imposing 6 months suspension on Shakib from all type of cricket and one and a half year restriction on him playing in foreign league.
This was for his alleged leaving Bangladesh to play for CPL in West Indies without taking formal NOC though Shakib claimed he went with verbal nod from Akram Khan.
Shakib returned home after being advised by BCB and was getting ready to resume practice with the Caribbean bound national squad.
BCB is a hurried meeting reportedly took the decision which was let out to media. Till writing this we are not aware whether any official letter communicating the BCB decision has been handed over to Shakib.
Shakib reportedly told the New Bangladesh Coach that he would consider not playing anymore for Bangladesh and the coach in turn informed BCB.
Whatever be the case the reported punitive action appears extremely harsh on a player who has brightened Bangladesh image in world Cricket arena. No one else in any other game has so far considered the best in the world in any category.
Shakib had his own attitude as well. Perhaps he alone should not be blamed fully for it. A section of cricket officials and media also did his ego massaging and the man found it difficult to digest his fame.
Shakib possibly did not realize that millions of youngsters in Bangladesh and possibly Bengali community all over the world idolized him. BCB failed to handle him professionally for its poor man management and let matters grow big.
BCB president in the press meet appeared to have lost his composure and clearly expressed his personal vendetta against Shakib.
His past antics had some actions whether or not appropriate and those should not have come under reference in the last instance.
Did Shakib disobey BCB instruction of not returning? Did he insist that he would no longer play for Bangladesh? Why he was not show caused? Why he was not given an opportunity to explain?
Can a person be punished without being heard? Is it not infringing on his constitutional right? What does the law of the land say? By taking such a hurried action has not BCB made the task of new Coach difficult to work with Bangladesh Sqaud? Why not BCB issuing letter to Shakib? What actually happened? Did Akram Khan advise Shakib to leave the country without formal NOC? Is he authorized to do so?
One thing for sure without Shakib Bangladesh may be brown washed in West Indies and get embarrassed against Zimbabwe. In that situation how Bangladesh prepare for all important ICC World Cup in 1015 in Australia New Zealand. Then what will BCB do?
The matter has already created storm in print, electronic and social media. Shakib fans have taken it to the streets. People are talking about ruling party blessing behind those eve teasers who created nuisance in the VIP gallery during the recent Bangladesh India ODI.
Shakib’s wife Shishir was subjected to teasing. The offenders are reportedly wards of ruling party MP and leading business men. Shakib had a brawl with them. One of the offenders was later arrested by Police. Did BCB President carry the Shakib matter as personal agenda?
All these questions merit response. But without getting an official letter Shakib cannot appeal for review or consider taking legal action.
Time is whistling by. Bangladesh without its only one player of international class will be struggling in the Caribbeans and will definitely find it difficult against Zimbabwe. The preparation for ICC world cup next year will also suffer. BCB executives will come and go.
But Shakib like quality cricketers will not born every day. I do not support his attitude and will not ask anyone to overlook it. But why the matter is not being dealt with more prudence? I will blame BCB management and specially BCB president for creating this situation. It is now up to him to resolve the matter before it goes too far.
Let Shakib atone for his questionable attitudes and gestures. Let him ask apology for his misconduct. Let him get a fine and a token punishment. But the boys who misbehaved with Shakib’s wife must also get due punishment.
BDST: 1455 HRS, JUL 15, 2014
