Shakib Al Hasan returned to competitive cricket last November after serving a one-year ban for breaching the ICC's anti-corruption code. Shakib hasn't been able to play at his best since returning to the field. He has shown some flair with the ball but has struggled with the bat. Shakib is yet to fully express himself for Mohammedan in the ongoing DPL T20. Perhaps he vented his anger against arch-rival Abahani on Friday (June 11). Shakib's inappropriate behaviour has shocked the cricket world despite the fact that his team Mohammedan won the match. So the question remains, has Shakib learned from his mistakes?
Reviewing Shakib's controversial past
Shakib has been involved in controversies on and off the field on multiple occasions apart from Friday's match against Abahani and the one-year ban by ICC. Some of them are discussed here.
Shakib was banned for three matches and fined Tk 3 lakhs following an obscene gesture on live television during the second match of the bilateral ODI series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in 2014.
Read DPL: Shakib loses cool; kicks stumps, throws them away
The BCB suspended Shakib for six months from all forms of cricket after misbehaving with newly appointed head coach Chandika Hathurusingha during the first ODI against India in 2015 and clashing with a supporter in the gallery.
Shakib misbehaved with the umpire during a BPL match in 2017 because he was unhappy with the umpire's decision. He was penalized 50% of the match fee for breaking the BCB's code of conduct.
During the 2018 West Indies tour, Shakib was criticized for arguing with a Bangladesh cricket fan in the hotel lobby which later went viral on social media, particularly Facebook.
Besides, Shakib often makes news by making a number of inflammatory statements against BCB and its officials. He recently went live and attacked BCB director Akram Khan, and the entire country was talking about it for days.
Read Shakib apologizes for kicking stumps in Bangladesh cricket
The reason why Shakib Al Hasan is being criticized once again
After losing two consecutive league stage matches in the DPL T20 2021, the under-pressure Mohammedan Sporting Club captain Shakib Al Hasan came to the field on Friday at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur determined to snatch victory against arch-rival Abahani Limited.
Mohammedan batted first and made 145-6 in 20 overs. In the chase, Abahani lost 3 wickets for 9 runs in just three overs. So it was essential for Abahani skipper Mushfiqur Rahim to stay at the crease in order to reach the target.
In such circumstances, Mushfiqur failed to play Shakib's straight delivery at the last ball of the innings' fifth over, and the ball struck his front pad directly. When Shakib appealed for Ibw, the umpire did not give his decision in favour of Mohammedan. Subsequently, Shakib became infuriated and kicked the stumps at the bowler's end, yelling at the umpire.
Read Bio-bubble breach: Shakib gets away from punishment
When the rain began to fall during the very next over, the umpire decided not to continue the game. Shakib became enraged, uprooted the three stumps threw down on the field while making a rude gesture towards the umpire. He also ran towards Abahani manager and BCB director Khaled Mahmood on his way back to the dressing room. Later the situation became normal in mediation with the players of both clubs.
Mohammedan Sporting Club eventually won the match by 31 runs in the D/L method when the game was resumed.
After the match, Shakib went to Abahani's dressing room to settle the matter, and he apologized to everyone on his verified Facebook page. However, it is apparent after the latest incident that he hasn't learned from his past mistakes.
Read Shakib Al Hasan vs Mustafizur Rahman: Who is the most successful player in IPL?
The quality of Bangladesh's domestic cricket competitions has also been questioned. Many are unhappy with umpires' performance, and there are even allegations of match-fixing. The BCB must take decisive action to improve the transparency and competitiveness of domestic cricket leagues. Having said so, the protest from Shakib Al Hasan who has been playing international cricket for 15 years cannot be acceptable by any standard.
Shakib Al Hasan is a role model for many young cricketers throughout the world. If an idol cricketer treats an umpire in that manner, future generations of cricketers would certainly learn nothing from him. It is to be seen how the BCB responds to Shakib’s wrongdoing.
Read Shakib apologises after thrashing and kicking stumps
Bottom Line
The poster boy of Bangladesh cricket, Shakib Al Hasan isn't immune to controversy. He has been punished by the Bangladesh Cricket Board several times. When Shakib makes a mistake, he apologizes instantly and promises everyone that he will not repeat it. Though after a few days, he gets involved in a new controversy and disappoints everyone. As a result, it's clear that Shakib hasn't learned from his mistakes and doesn't feel obliged to change.