Shakib Al Hasan's ban a lesson for sports lovers and sportsmen: Ramiz Raja

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has handed Bangladesh ace Shakib Al Hasan a two-year ban from cricket, with the second year suspended, for breaking anti-corruption code. The ICC banned the star allrounder after he failed to inform authorities about being approached by a bookmaker on multiple occasions in 2018.

The bookie named Deepak Aggarwal got in touch with Shakib Al Hasan through WhatsApp. He first got in touch with the allrounder in November 2017 and then asked for details about a match in January 2018. The bookie then got in touch with Shakib Al Hasan once again during an Indian Premier League match. But despite being approached on so many occasions, the allrounder decided against speaking to the ICC or the Bangladesh Cricket Board.

In the wake of Shakib’s ban, former Pakistan batsman Ramiz Raja feels it is a lesson for the sports fans and players. The ex-cricketer-turned-commentator said that while he is sad over Shakib Al Hasan’s ban, players should never disregard the game. Ramiz Raja took to Twitter to explain his views on the ban, writing, “So Shakib Al Hasan’s ban has a lesson for all sports lovers and sportsmen: if you disregard the game and try to become bigger than the game by sidetracking the laid rules and protocols then be ready for a fantastic fall! Sad.”

So Shakib Al Hasan’s ban has a lesson for all sports lovers and sportsmen: if you disregard the game and try to become bigger than the game by sidetracking the laid rules and protocols then be ready for a fantastic fall! Sad.

— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) October 29, 2019

Meanwhile, the former Bangladesh captain will be free to resume international cricket from October 29, 2020. However, he will be allowed to do so only if he satisfies the conditions relating to the suspended part of the sanction.

Bangladesh name new captains

Hours after Shakib Al Hasan learned his fate, Bangladesh named their new Test and T20I captains. Mominul Haque will lead the Tigers in Tests while Mahmudullah has taken over as captain in T20Is. The new captains will start their stint with the challenging tour of India next month. Bangladesh will play three T20Is and two Tests against their formidable neighbours.

Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam has replaced Shakib in the T20I side for the tour. Among other changes,  Abu Hider has replaced allrounder Mohammad Saifuddin, who was ruled out last week due to a back injury. Mohammed Mithun has also found a spot in the squad after replacing Tamim Iqbal who has opted out of the tour to stay with his pregnant wife.