Cricket Australia denies Shakib Al Hasan BBL contract after corrupt charges

Shakib Al Hasan, the veteran Bangladesh cricketer, couldn’t find a deal for the upcoming edition of the Big Bash League (BBL). Cricket Australia (CA) shut the doors on him due to its zero-tolerance against corruption. Back in October, Shakib’s ban ended after he was suspended for a year for not complying with ICC’s rules and regulations regarding corrupt activities.

The 33-year-old, reportedly, put his name for the BBL, but CA didn’t allow him to take part. However, the Khulna-born took CA’s decision in his stride and didn’t make a fuss about not being able to play in the tournament, scheduled to get underway on December 10.

Shakib Al Hasan shares his opinions

“It is not easy to know about everyone’s feelings. They may doubt me or not trust me. I am not denying it,” Shakib was quoted as saying in the Daily Telegraph.

Shakib, who last played any form of cricket back in October 2019 in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), also sounded confident that his past won’t be hampering his relations with the members of the Bangladesh national team.

“But I have been in touch with almost everyone (in Bangladesh team) so I haven’t felt it among them. I am hopeful it won’t be a problem and they will keep believing in me like they used to. But it is not impossible for them to have a bit of doubt. There wouldn’t be any regret about it,” he added.

Back in 2013-14, Shakib made his BBL debut for the Adelaide Strikers. Then in the 2014-15 season, the southpaw plied his trade for the Melbourne Renegades. He remains to be the only cricketer from Bangladesh to take part in the BBL. Shakib was recently offered to play in the 2020 Pakistan Super League (PSL) for the Multan Sultans.

He was being thought of as a replacement of Mahmudullah, who was tested positive for COVID-19. But he couldn’t take part as his name wasn’t there in the players’ draft in the beginning. Shakib is now set to play for the Khulna team in the inaugural edition of the Bangabandhu T20 Cup. Also, it remains to be seen when he is next seen donning the national jersey.