'Classy response' - Dean Jones hails Shakib Al Hasan's statement after getting banned

Ohh Shakib! What have you done? Why Shakib, why? – These are the questions on every cricket fan’s mind ever since the news of Shakib Al-Hasan getting banned for two years (one of which is backdated) broke out on Tuesday (October 29). What in the world was Shakib thinking? Shock, despair and the fear of more revelations tumbling out- all of these adjectives are still not enough, to sum up, the mood in Bangladesh cricket today.

Fans still can’t believe what hit them. They are in despair. They are shocked. Some of them are bitterly angry for being let down by their folk hero. They are helpless. It is indisputable that Shakib Al Hasan is the greatest cricketer that has come out from Bangladesh Cricket.

His stonewalling effort during the 50-over World Cup where he kept churning out hundreds and taking wickets for fun, and that he has been frequently been ranked as the No.1 all-rounder in the world is a source of endless pride for the cricket-mad Bangladeshis.

Just a few days ago he rallied around with the country’s playing committee against the Cricket Board for what was largely considered a just cause- a cause for the First-Class cricketers, a cause for the improvement of the cricketing structure in the country. And, now he faces suspension for having not reported the advances of spot-fixing made by the bookie Deepak Aggarwal, not once, not twice but on three separate occasions during the course of three separate tournaments.

Dean Jones hails Shakib for his statement

Following his suspension, the star all-rounder accepted his mistake and in a statement to the fans, apologized for letting them down besides also vowing to work closely with the ICC Anti-Corruption unit so that any future cricketer does not repeat the same mistake.

“I have prepared a statement that I shall now read out. I am sad that I have let down the sport I love the most. I accept the ICC charge of not having reported an unlawful approach. Cricketers need to cooperate with the ICC in keeping the sport clean. I have failed in my responsibility towards ensuring that. I want cricket to be clean, just like the countless fans and other players.

“I also want to set a good example for younger cricketers and hence intend to keep cooperating with the ICC in the future. Another thing I wish to say is that I am thankful to the media, fans, BCB, and others who have always supported me through all ups and downs. I hope you will continue to support and I will serve the country with more vigor, Shakib Al Hasan was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

Shakib’s response has been hailed by former Australian cricketer Dean Jones where he wished the all-rounder luck besides also asserting that it is the duty of each player, coach, umpire and even commentators to report in case of any approach by a bookie.

Jones tweeted, “Classy response by Shakib! Great words and messages. Best of luck to him. Everyone from players, coaches, umpires and even commentators… MUST report if they feel they have had an approach.. no matter how silly it might sound.”