Bangladesh’s captain, Shakib Al Hasan, found himself at the centre of yet another cricketing controversy, raising questions about the spirit of the game. This latest incident took place during a heated World Cup clash against Sri Lanka, where Angelo Mathews was “timed out.” It marked a historic moment in the 146-year history of international cricket.

Mathews was dismissed after he failed to take strike within the stipulated two-minute time limit when he walked out to bat in a match in New Delhi. The contentious decision was made after Shakib, the Bangladesh captain, appealed to the on-field umpires, who upheld his request. In response, Mathews condemned Shakib’s actions, labelling him “disgraceful.”

3 Times Shakib al Hasan was Involved in Controversies

Over Frustration

This incident, however, is not the first time Shakib Al Hasan has found himself embroiled in controversy. In 2014, during a one-day international match against Sri Lanka in Mirpur, Shakib gestured towards his crotch in the dressing room after being dismissed. His frustration was evident as commentators discussed his dismissal extensively.

This gesture was broadcast live on television and on the stadium’s big screen. As a consequence, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) imposed a three-match ban on Shakib for making an “inappropriate gesture” and fined him $3,800.

Quitting Training with a Text

Shakib’s troubles continued later in 2014 when he decided to quit international cricket via a text message to coach Chandika Hathurusingha, skipping a training camp in the process. The BCB summoned him to Dhaka, but at that time, Shakib was in transit in London, en route to the Caribbean Premier League in the West Indies.

The BCB imposed a six-month ban on him for “serious misbehavior,” though this suspension was later reduced to three-and-a-half months. BCB president Nazmul Hassan characterized Shakib’s actions as a “severe attitude problem” that was unprecedented in the history of Bangladesh cricket.

2019 Ban

In 2019, Shakib faced another major setback when the International Cricket Council (ICC) banned him for two years for failing to report corrupt approaches, including those in the Indian Premier League.

This ban came after Shakib admitted to three charges of breaching the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. His violations included not disclosing full details of approaches or invitations related to the Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe Tri-Series in January 2018, as well as the 2018 IPL. This ban was backdated, allowing Shakib to return to the team in October 2020.

These controversies surrounding Shakib Al Hasan have not only put him under scrutiny but have also raised questions about his conduct and commitment to the spirit of cricket. As a prominent figure in the world of cricket, he has repeatedly faced the consequences of his actions, leading to bans and fines. The cricketing world continues to watch his career, hoping that he can learn from these experiences and emerge as a better ambassador for the sport.