Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina comes out in support of underfire Shakib Al Hasan 

Shakib has been banned by the ICC for failing to report corrupt approaches.

Shakib Al Hasan | Getty

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as well as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) believe national pride Shakib Al Hasan has made an error in not reporting the corrupt approaches made to him but the star all-rounder shall definitely bounce back stronger from the ban handed out to him. 

The country's Test and T20I captain was on Tuesday (October 30) banned for two years by the ICC for failing to report three corrupt approaches, including one at the IPL 2019, by a suspected Indian bookie; effectively ruling him out of next month's difficult tour of India. 

Read Also: Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan banned for 2 years for failing to report corrupt approaches

Twelve months of that ban is a suspended sentence which will come into effect if the 32-year-old fails to comply with the anti-corruption code of the world body.

Still, the great cricketer is set to miss the IPL as well as the T20 World Cup in Australia next year.

"It’s clear that Shakib has made a mistake and he’s realised that," Hasina was quoted as saying by bdnews24.com. "There’s nothing much the government can do about the ICC’s decision but BCB will stand by him."

The BCB, on its part, confirmed the doors will be re-opened for Shakib once his ban is over. 

"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," the board said in a statement.

"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."

(Inputs from PTI)

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 30 Oct, 2019

    Share Via