Shakib Al Hasan Retirement: Five controversial moments in Bangladesh legend’s career

sanjeev

khelja|27-09-2024

Shakib Al Hasan, who is one of the greatest cricketers to come out of Bangladesh, shocked the cricketing world when he announced his retirement from T20I and Test formats on Thursday, September 26.
This marks the end of an iconic career that Shakib had forged as not only one of the best all-rounders in the history of cricket but also the most successful captain and player in Bangladesh's history. However, the veteran cricketer also had a fiery side to his game and was often the centre of controversy both on and off the field. From abusing umpires to making controversial decisions on the field, let's have a look at the five most controversial moments surrounding Shakib Al Hasan. #1. Angelo Matthews time-out (2023) In the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, Shakib Al Hasan scripted history when he became the first captain to successfully dismiss an opponent with the 'time out' rule. After Sri Lanka's Angelo Matthews failed to take his position at the crease within the two-minute window after his helmet strap malfunctioned, Shakib's appeal for dismissal was upheld by the umpire. Naturally, such a decision sparked major controversy, and Matthews dubbed the Bangladeshi skipper 'disgraceful' for making such a decision in a World Cup game. #2. Kicking and uprooting stumps (2021)  
  During a Dhaka Premier League match against Abahani Limited, Mohammedan Sporting captain Shakib Al Hasan's frustration boiled over in an altercation with the umpire. First, he kicked the stumps after an LBW appeal was turned down against Mushfiqur Rahim. Just an over later, he took his fury a step further by uprooting the stumps on the non-striker's end entirely, throwing them to the ground. However, the all-rounder later apologised for his abominable behaviour, calling it 'human error'. #3. Anti-corruption ban (2019) Perhaps the most damaging to his career, in 2019, Shakib was banned by the ICC for failing to report corrupt approaches, including incidents during the Indian Premier League. The all-rounder was banned for two years, of which one year was suspended, for failing to report illegal approaches from Indian bookmakers. The ban came ahead of a strike called by Shakib and other Bangladeshi cricketers, where they had called for several demands, including pay rises. #4. Verbally abusing umpire (2015) In a 2015 Bangladesh Premier League match against Sylhet Super Stars, Shakib unleashed a verbal tirade at umpire Tanvir Ahmed after an appeal was turned down. His vitriolic language reportedly shocked the umpires, who reported him after the game. The incident, which also saw Shakib kicking the ground in anger, led to a one-match ban and a fine of $250. #5. Quitting national team via text (2014) After a shocking moment where he pointed at his crotch during an ODI match against Sri Lanka, Shakib fuelled further controversy during a national team camp later that year. After skipping the camp, Shakib informed coach Chandika Hathurusingha that he intended to end his international career - via text message. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) reacted swiftly, summoning him to Dhaka and banning him for six months for 'serious misbehaviour'. The suspension was later shortened to three-and-a-half months, but BCB president Nazmul Hassan remarked on Shakib's 'severe attitude problem'. The above-mentioned incidents are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Shakib Al Hasan and controversies. The all-rounder has had well-publicised instances of meltdowns, where he has flashed the middle finger to the crowd or clashed with fans on the field. With the India vs Bangladesh Test 2 starting on Friday, September 27, fans will hope that the veteran cricketer can end his international career without any further dose of controversy.
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