BCB executive committee in yesterday’s meeting has decided to reduce the 6 month’s ban of star all-rounder Shakib-al-Hasan of Six Month’s from playing international and domestic cricket to less than three months. Shakib can start playing after September 15, 2014. However, BCB did not lift or reduce the ban on Shakib from playing in league or in domestic circuit of other countries. This effectively means IPL Champion KKR will miss the contribution of Shakib in the champions’ league. Shakib will also not be able to participate in KFC Big bash, English Cricket League.
We are not trying to defend Shakib for his various antics and objectionable attitudes. We also questioned his childish acts, irresponsible attitude. He served disciplinary actions every time more or less. But when a player of Shakib’s caliber admitted his mistakes and atoned for it why BCB has not deal the matter in such a way that it will continue to create heart bleeding for this talented cricketer. We do not agree with BCB and demand it to be further reviewed withdrawing all bans on him from 15th September 2014. Let him play freely with full commitment for Bangladesh and assist Bangladesh recover from the present crisis situation. Shakib through his brilliant individual performance has won many matches for Bangladesh. Did not BCB president listen what little Megh, son of murdered journalist couple Sagar and Runi, told him about Shakib? Start performers and genius individuals are always a bit different and one needs to deal with them a bit differently. The little boy urged for pardoning Shakib echoing the voice of million Shakib fans. We hope Megh’s appeal also has entrusted additional responsibility on Shakib to conduct him much more responsibly. So many youngsters consider him as idol. Shakib must set example of true sportsman for them.
Shakib is the only sports personality of Bangladesh who on a number of occasions achieved the highest ICC ranking as all round cricketer. His performance and achievements has made Bangladesh proud and made Bangladesh known in international sports arena. Shakib has earned his reputation through elevating his skills and performance to a level that attracts teams in foreign countries to recruit him. We must not forget cricket is a professional game in England, Australia and West Indies. No one there spends money on anyone who does not deliver. Shakib got opportunities since he delivers. No one even the government of Bangladesh has right to stop any individual performer, a professional from participating in his career development opportunities unless it affects the national duty. BCB must not stop Shakib from participating in any cricket event abroad if the timing does not collide with country’s engagement in international events of required to prepare for it. Rather letting Shakib playing in far more competitive events will equip him with better skills and ultimate help Bangladesh team.
Star West Indian spinner Sunil Narine was recently not prevented by West Indian board from playing in IPL final for KKR although West Indies was playing ODI at that time. We remember Pakistani star batsman and captain Inzamamul Huq while appearing in an exhibition match in Toronto Canada once rushed with his bat to fight some spectators who were taunting him chanting “ Potato- potato “. Shakib served suspensions of different tenure for his previous attitude issues and last episode definitely did not deserve the harsh punishment taken with plutonic speed.
World has seen how Shakib’s absence had badly hurt Bangladesh in all three ODIs against West Indies. To cover Shakib’s absence Bangladesh played with 7 batsmen in every match, four openers were in the side in the first two. But still other than the last match entire team excepting one or two batted very poorly. Bangladesh not only had the ignominy of getting white washed but also were bowled out for 70 in a match were only Tamim of the 11 players could reach double figures. Absence of Shakib’s bowling helped West Indies create few world records in the third ODI. Bangladeshi bowlers created early opportunities in all three matches but could not keep the momentum going without Shakib. Team selectors were in a dilemma what to do with talented Rookie pacer Taskin Ahmed. If Shakib was in the team definitely without any second thought Bangladesh could play three steamers including Taskin.
We are not sure whether Mashrafee and Taskin can be risked for Test Series. But in their absence and Shakib still serving the ban Bangladesh attack may not create any impression on strong West Indian batting in tests. Bangladesh cannot expect to take 20 West Indian wickets with its weak bowling resources. Tigers will start the series in the back foot. We will not be surprised if some new records are created by the West Indian batsmen and for all these. We would blame the unimaginative actions of BCB and Bangladesh team management.
We know it is too late to send Shakib to West Indies for first test. But for the grater interest of Bangladesh I will strongly suggest to reduce Shakib’s ban still further till 31st August and make him available for the second test at West Indies. He is in practice and may not need any excuse of not selecting him for lack of practice. At the same time I will also suggest to withdraw his ban from playing in other countries domestic cricket after ICC World Cup 2015. There is a point in not allowing any player to play abroad other than national commitment before ensuing ICC World Cup.
BCB or Bangladesh cricket gains nothing from restricting any player from appearing in major cricket events abroad. It rather brightens the country’s image and glorifies Bangladesh.
BDST: 0851 HRS, AUG 27, 2014
