Shakib appeals to BCB over ban

Peter Marshall

Shakib appeals to BCB over ban image

The all-rounder was suspended for six months earlier in July for what BCB president Nazmul Hasan described as "serious misbehaviour".

Reports had suggested that the former captain had threatened to quit international cricket after coach Chandika Hathurusingha requested that he return from Caribbean Premier League duty to attend a Bangladesh training camp.

Shakib vehemently denied those accusations, but the incident followed controversy during a one-day international last month, when he was alleged to have had an altercation with a fan.

On Sunday, Shakib made an apology after filing an application for a review of his suspension at BCB headquarters, before asking the board to reconsider his ban.

In a pre-prepared statement reportedly read outside the BCB headquarters, he said: "I am expressing my sincerest apologies if my behaviour has embarrassed the BCB, the Bangladesh cricket team and our fans.

"I accept that as a professional and contracted cricketer, I haven't behaved in a disciplined and restrained manner in several cases. In the future, I am determined to behave with more restraint.

"I respect the board's decision, but there is nothing more painful than staying away from cricket.

"It is my life and I have worn Bangladesh's colours and BCB's logo since the Under-15 days. It is my pride.

"The Bangladesh team is above everything. I give my all when I play for them, and I would do so in the future.

"I have grown up with Bangladesh cricket, and I have an emotional connection with it. From that position, I am requesting the BCB to reconsider my suspension."

The ban rules Shakib out of all forms of cricket, making him unavailable for Bangladesh's tour of the West Indies, which begins on August 20.

Peter Marshall

Peter Marshall Photo

Peter Marshall has worked in sports media for more than two decades, covering everything from boxing, F1 and tennis to the World Cup and Olympics.