‘Do we really need players like this?’ - Lisa Sthalekar slams Shakib Al Hasan for his 'poor behaviour' in DPL 2021

Veteran Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is facing heat from different parts for his questionable behaviour in Dhaka Premier League (DPL) 2021. During the clash against Abahani Limited, Shakib, captain of Mohammedan Sporting Club, kicked the stumps in anger after the on-field umpire rejected his LBW appeal. The incident occurred in the fifth over of the Abahani side’s innings. The left-arm spinner bowled a straight delivery, which hit Mushfiqur Rahim’s pad.

Shakib was truly convinced that Rahim is dismissed, and that was evident in his loud appeal. However, the umpire didn’t think the same way and gently shook his head. Shakib was left furious with the decision as he angrily kicked the stumps before getting engaged in a heated argument with the umpire. The video of the incident went viral on social media and the all-rounder’s actions are being heavily criticized.

Former Australian women’s cricket team captain Lisa Sthalekar was also among many to slam Shakib’s behaviour. Reacting to the viral clip on Twitter, Sthalekar urged the young Bangladesh cricketers not to follow the southpaw’s actions. She even taunted the all-rounder over his two-year ban, which ended last year.

“I hope young cricketers especially in Bangladesh don’t follow this terrible example! First a ban from all cricket (2 years, with one year suspended), now this poor behaviour. Do we really need players like this in our game? Love to know your thoughts,” wrote the 41-year-old on the micro-blogging website.

Shakib Al Hasan issues apology on social media

Meanwhile, Shakib has apologised for his actions and assured that he won’t replicate such behaviour in future. “Dear fans and followers, I am extremely sorry for losing my temper and ruining the match for everyone and especially those who are watching from home. An experienced player like me should not have reacted that way but sometimes against all odds it happens unfortunately,” he wrote on his Facebook page.

Coming to the game, Mohammedan Sporting Club posted 145/6 while batting first at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. In reply, Abahani Limited never really looked in the hunt and scored 44/6 in nine overs, losing the game by 31 runs via the DLS method. Shakib had a fruitful outing with the bat as he scored a 27-ball 37. However, he bowled just one over and conceded ten runs.