There have been too many scandals involving star cricket player Shakib Al Hasan recently, and his conduct in each of them has been unbecoming to his profession. The cricketer has repeatedly violated rules and regulations, and more regrettably, shown very little by way of apology.
Breaking protocol by leaving to play for the Caribbean Premier League without a No Objection Certificate from The Bangladesh Cricket Board, and consequently threatening to stop playing for the Tigers is not the kind of attitude we expect from a national icon.
Not only did Shakib disobey the rules of the game, he defied common decency when he left the player’s enclosure and attacked a young spectator for allegedly harassing his wife. No matter what the provocation, Shakib did not have the right to administer street justice.
Even if he is a national hero looked up to by millions, like everyone else in this nation, Shakib is not above the law. Moreover, his indiscipline risks being spread to the rest of the team. Some action needs to be taken.
That said, the BCB’s decision to hand him a six-month suspension from competitive cricket and an 18-month ban against playing in overseas events seems excessively punitive.
Star players have been reportedly behaving in an arrogant manner for quite some time. Had the BCB acted earlier, things may not have come this far in Shakib’s case. The BCB should also ensure adequate security in the spectator arena so that complaints of harassment can be addressed.
We hope Shakib has learned his lesson, and that the punishment which has been meted out will serve as a deterrent for future players from behaving irresponsibly.