Agreeing to the pleas of Shakib Al Hasan, inept BCB proved yet again that it is merely a toothless tiger. Reluctant for playing for Bangladesh regularly against stronger opposition in challenging series Bangladesh Super Star expressed his unwillingness for playing against South Africa in the ensuring tour. BCB boss Nazmul Hasan Papon MP expressed annoyance; Team Director Khaled Mahmood Sujon was also visibly displeased. Shakib was in his true element at BPL displaying wonderful brand of his all round cricket. But that did not prove enough for earning him a contract in IPL 2022. We are not sure whether that created any impact on his dismal performance ( way below his best) in the ODI and T20 series against Afghanistan. He was pleading for skipping from Test series against South Africa in anticipation of schedule clash with IPL. But that possibility was gone from him not contracted for IPL2022.
Logically it was the expectation of all that he would be available for all formats in South Africa. BCB even named him in the squad . Suddenly without any notice Shakib went to Dubai when his mates were getting ready for the tour. Before his departure he mentioned about his mental and physical fatigue hinting about his inability. His statement sparked strong reaction. But ultimately BCB compromised letting him enjoy leave of absence from all type of cricket till 30th April 2022.
Shakib once the best all rounder in all formats definitely glorified Bangladesh. He is arguably the greatest Bangladeshi sportsman, there is little doubt about that. But at the same time he has also created some controversies as well for his questionable attitudes. Every sportsmen ,sports women in every country takes pride in representing own country. Bangladesh is the outcome of supreme sacrifice of million martyrs. We heard several times what motivated iconic Mashrafee Bin Mortaja in daring to play with several surgeries in his legs. We are not sure what kind of fatigue might have pushed Shakib from skipping a very important Bangladesh mission to South Africa? The test series is a part of ICC Test Championship, ODI series is also a segment of ICC ODI League. Bangladesh desperately needs earning some points. Shakib’s absence would badly hurt Bangladesh interest. Shakib is a contracted player of Bangladesh for all formats. A contracted employee needs to provide medical certificate if for physical or mental ailment he is unable to serve. Not sure whether BCB acted on medical advise in granting him leave of absence.
We know from experience that BCB cannot take any action against Shakib for his frequent reluctance for playing against major opposition. He is reported connected with influential persons and as such could not care less. He acts like free flying bird all the time . Whatever applies to the rest of the contracted players does not work in his case. Then why BCB boss and team director talked so loud ?
Our question is why some one would be considered bigger than Bangladesh cricket? It is all right whether someone would play or not play at his own will. But contracted employees cannot always get leave when his duty is urgently required for national interest. Shakib could consider himself indispensible, as BCB in years could not create any suitable replacement. Granting Shakib leave till 30th April BCB again proved that it is merely a toothless tiger. Shakib should have ben taken out at least from test cricket. Shakib should realize that he is creating bad precedence for the new generation of cricketers , depriving his admirers .
BDST: 1529 HRS, MAR 11, 2022
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