Bangladesh Test and T20 skipper Shakib Al Hasan was banned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) from all forms of cricket for two years on three charges of breaching the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.
Shakib will serve his ban until October 2020, which means he will not be available for selection in the upcoming IPL season or next year’s T20 World Cup.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board have released a statement. The statement read:
“While the BCB is shocked and extremely disappointed that an experienced player like Shakib had failed to report corrupt approach on three occasions, at the same time we are pleased that he has cooperated fully with the ICC ACU and has pledged his commitment to its education programme.
We hope he will come back as a better and wiser cricketer and serve Bangladesh for many more years when his sanction will be over. During the suspension the BCB will continue to support his efforts at returning to cricket.
The BCB respects the ICC’s decision and shares similar sentiments against corruption in cricket.”
The ICC released a statement on behalf of Shakib, which read, “I am obviously extremely sad to have been banned from the game I love, but I completely accept my sanction for not reporting the approaches. The ICC ACU is reliant on players to play a central part in the fight against corruption and I didn’t do my duty in this instance.
“Like the majority of players and fans around the world, I want cricket to be a corruption free sport and I am looking forward to working with the ICC ACU team to support their education programme and ensure young players don’t make the same mistake I did.”
BCB Didn’t Know About Investigation: Chief Nazmul Hassan
BCB Chief, Nazmul Hassan has claimed that the BCB had no inkling about the ICC's anti-corruption investigation. He told local media in Bangladesh:
"I want to state something clearly and that is that neither I nor anyone from the BCB knew anything about the investigation, which has been going on from January. The ACU, an independent body, communicated with Shakib. He informed me two or three days ago following the meeting with the players regarding the strike.
“I don't deny that I was angry at him for not reporting the issue but at the same time we are pleased that he has cooperated fully with the ICC's ACU (Anti-Corruption Unit) and has pledged his commitment to its education programme."
“I have always said that we don’t have substitutes for two players – Mashrafe (ODI captain) as a captain and Shakib as a player. He is one of the best players in the world. Him not being able to play is a real shock.”Nazmul Hassan
No Sympathy for Shakib: Michael Vaughan
Former England captain Michael Vaughan said he had “no sympathy” for Shakib, blasting the cricketer and his decision to not report the bookie contact in a post on Twitter.
Lesson for All: Ramiz Raja
Former Pakistani cricketer Ramiz Raja joined Vaughan in condemning the irresponsible behavior of Shakib.
‘Deaf Ears’: Dean Jones
Dean Jones, a former Australian batsman wroter, “How many times are these guys lectured? Before EVERY T20 and T10 and other Tournaments... The ICC and ACU officials brief them”.
Cricket commentator and expert Harsha Bhogle took to Twitter to eloquently explain what he thought of the situation.
Terrible News for Bangladesh Cricket: Harsha Bhogle
Shakib’s international teammate Mushfiqur Rahim sent out a Facebook post in support of the Bangladeshi skipper.
You Always Have My Support: Mushfiqur
Shakib’s Realised His Mistake: PM Hasina
The Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina joined the list of people supporting Shakib. While speaking to local media, Sheikh Hasina was quoted saying:
“It’s clear that Shakib has made a mistake and he’s realised that. There’s nothing much the government can do about the ICC’s decision but BCB will stand by him.”Sheikh Hasina
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