Arguably the most successful Bangladeshi cricketer, Shakib Al Hasan’s tendency to be controversy's favorite child has once again emerged as his company, Monarch Holdings Ltd., has been charged with share price manipulation. Here are some of the major controversies that have haunted the ace all-rounder.
Major controversies involving Shakib Al Hasan
Involvement of Shakib’s company in share manipulation (2022)
Shakib Al Hasan has recently been involved in an off-field scandal because of the manipulation of stock prices by his company, Monarch Holdings Ltd. The firm was involved in pricing manipulation, according to a DSE probe. Managing director of the business, Kazi Sadia Hasan, was also shown to have engaged in individual stock manipulation. However, the BSEC investigative report did not specifically identify Shakib Al Hasan as a manipulator.
Sponsorship deal with Betwinner News (2022)
BCB had considered appointing Shakib Al Hasan as the new captain of the Bangladesh T20 side for the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup 2022 after the Zimbabwe series. But Shakib’s involvement with a betting site, Betwinner News, stirred controversy over whether he is eligible to even play for the national side.
Also read: Shakib’s company involved in share manipulation, DSE investigation finds
Just weeks before Asia Cup cricket, Shakib Al Hasan’s deal with betting company Betwinner News once again made headlines. The star all-rounder eventually rescinded his contract with the company, effectively ending all speculation about his participation in the Asia Cup.
Entering country’s gold market without necessary approval (2022)
Shakib Al Hasan sparked another off-field controversy in May 2022 when he entered the country’s gold market. Shakib Al Hasan’s Reliable Commodity Exchange Company and Buraq Commodities Exchange Company received a letter from Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC), requesting an explanation over their entry into the gold market without required permission.
Multiple sources claim that Bangladesh Bank did provide Buraq Commodities Exchange Company permission to legitimately import and trade gold bars and associated products. However, they failed to obtain BSEC approval in this respect.
Also read: Shakib cancels contract with Betwinner News after BCB warning
Skipping Bangladesh’s tour of Sri Lanka for IPL participation (2021)
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka were due to play a two-match test series as part of the ICC Test Championship in the months of April and May of 2021. Shakib Al Hasan was hesitant to visit Sri Lanka, preferring to concentrate on competing in the lucrative Indian Premier League. He finally decided to skip national service and play in the IPL 2021.
One-year suspension by ICC (2019)
Perhaps the biggest controversy involving Shakib Al Hasan was when International Cricket Council (ICC) banned him from all cricket for two years – with one year of that suspended – for concealing multiple corrupt approaches by an Indian bookmaker. Shakib was found guilty and, subsequently, he accepted the ban by cricket’s highest governing body in October 2019.
Asking Bangladesh players to walk out of the field during a Nidahas Trophy match against Sri Lanka (2018)
The final group stage match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka was a do-or-die quest for the Nidahas Trophy final. Both sides were all in for the contest, and it got even hotter in the final over. Bangladesh players protested the umpire’s decision to not call wide of two over-shoulder-height balls. Shakib asked Mahmudullah Riyad and Rubel Hossain to leave the field. The situation eventually got under control and Bangladesh went on to win the match by 2 wickets with 1 ball remaining. Shakib received harsh criticism for his actions from the Sri Lankan media.
Read Shakib cancels contract with Betwinner News after BCB warning
Indecent gesture towards fans during a World Cup match (2011)
Bangladesh were thought to be one of the favourites to reach the quarter-finals of Group B in the 2011 ICC World Cup. The West Indian side were their main rivals for the fourth-place finish in the point standings. However, their performance against the Caribbean side was dismantled, bowled out for only 58 runs after batting first at Sher-e-Bangla stadium. The West Indies chased down the target in 12.2 overs for the loss of one wicket.
Seeing this horrible performance by the Bangladesh team, the spectators from the stands booed the players. Shakib didn’t take it well and responded by showing his middle finger towards the galleries.
Way forward
Shakib has been responsible for many memorable victories for Bangladesh. However, a smart cricketer on the pitch, Shakib, has often made headlines for the wrong reasons, which has damaged his reputation globally. Like always, the talented all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will probably succeed in getting through the latest controversy. But this does not bode well for his cricketing legacy.
Read Shakib serves legal notice to Banglalink, Jamuna Bank ; demands Tk 5.8 crore fine