Shakib Al Hasan pulls out of Betwinner deal after BCB warning

Shakib Al Hasan has withdrawn from his deal with Betwinner, following Bangladesh Cricket Board’s ultimatum. BCB chief Nazmul Hasan had stated in no uncertain terms about the board’s zero-tolerance policy regarding any players association with any establishment that facilitate or promote betting or gambling.

The 35-year-old was expected to lead the team in the upcoming Asia Cup until the issues around his sponsorship deals with Betwinner popped up. As per the Bangladesh laws and constitution, gambling activities are strictly prohibited.

Notably, in a social media post dated August 2, Shakib had announced his association with Betwinner, which prompted a probe from BCB. Earlier on August 11, BCB chief Nazmul Hasan clarified BCB’s stand on the matter, and just hours after his comments came Shakib’s withdrawal, which now puts him back into selection contention.

“As far as Shakib is concerned, there is no option of second thought here, and the BCB stand is clear in this. When I first came to BCB I said that there is zero tolerance in this regard, and BCB won’t accept it no matter how you explain it. So there is no way he can have the deal (with Betwinner). We had to drop players like [Mohammad] Ashraful, so there is no way he can continue with the deal and now the decision lies with him. We have given a letter, and we are expecting a reply by today. Let us wait and we will decide whether he will be in the team or not,” BCB chief Nazmul Hasan was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

“He cannot have any kind of relation (with Betwinner) and has to come out of it totally. He will not be in our team, so there’s no question about captaincy, and there cannot be any discussion about it. We have taken the decision earlier and we are very clear about it,” he added.

He also confirmed that the board will announce the squad for Asia Cup within the next two days. “We will give the team of the Asia Cup soon, but before that, we have to come to a certain decision because we have to announce the team and for that we had the meeting.

“We will give the team by tomorrow (August 12) or latest by day after tomorrow and before that we are assessing the situation of the team. Tamim is not playing in the T20Is while Litton [Das], Nurul [Hasan] and Rabbi [Yasir Ali] are unavailable due to injuries, and so forming the team now has become a big issue.”