Suspended Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib al Hasan is concerned with the global coronavirus pandemic.
However, with most countries in lockdown, Shakib informed that he is enjoying time with his family while being home quarantined, an event that is rare for most professional sportsmen.
Apart from being home quarantined due to the coronovirus outbreak, Shakib is also serving the one-year ICC ban for failing to report multiple corrupt approaches.
Shakib Friday spoke publicly for the first time since his ICC suspension was imposed by coming live on Facebook where he promoted his charity organization - Shakib al Hasan Foundation.
Former Bangladesh captain Shakib said he is currently spending his time with family in USA and that most of his time is occupied with his daughter.
Ace all-rounder Shakib al Hasan has announced aid of Tk20 lakhs for the purchase of medical equipments and supplies in the fight against the novel coronavirus.https://t.co/23Pa6Seq2F#SHAKIB #CRICKET #BANGLADESH #BANGLADESHCRICKET #BCBTIGERS #BCB #TIGERS #ALHASAN #SHAKIBALHASAN
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) April 3, 2020
Shakib prior to the suspension was one of the busiest cricketers in the world taking part in different franchise-based T20 tournaments along with fulfilling duty for the Bangladesh team.
“Basically I have always complained of not getting enough time to spend with family. But at the moment I think we have enough time to spend with our family. I have a child and normally I didn't get the chance to spend time with her due to matches. Right now when I spend time with her I feel how much I have missed her over the years,” said Shakib, who can return to competitive cricket on October 29 this year.
“For me, the most important thing now is that I'm spending a lot of time with my daughter, we talk, we play games, we spend lots of time together and enjoying the moment. It's not like that I'm feeling bad being at home," Shakib added.
Shakib during live streaming also mentioned how concerned he is regarding the novel coronavirus.
“I obviously feel bad when I think about the situation. The situation of the whole world is not so good. Situation in our country situation is also not good. I'm praying that we can go back to our normal life as soon as possible,” said Shakib, who apart from the coronavirus situation is also concerned of gaining weight sitting at home.
Mahmudullah, Shakib make baby announcement https://t.co/h2TpxpeRWd
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) April 7, 2020
“I had to sacrifice a lot regarding my diet [to maintain fitness] but now I am eating a lot and probably have gained a lot of weight recently,” he added.
Former Bangladesh Test and T20I captain Shakib was handed a ban for two years, with one year of that suspended, by the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit last October.
The ace cricketer had accepted three charges of breaching ICC’s Anti-Corruption Code 2.4.4 of failure to disclose to ACU the full details of any approaches or invitations he received to engage in corruption.
Given Shakib had admitted to the offences charged by the ACU, there was no option for the Bangladesh cricketer to appeal against the verdict and had to serve a minimum one-year ban.
