Shakib Al Hasan is a man with two completely different sides to his character. One is loved immensely for what he has done for his country, and respected by people across the globe for his world class talent as a cricketer. The other side has lifted eyebrows, hurt sentiments and brought shame and embarrassment to those who have blindly supported him.
Shakib’s infamous gesture on live TV during the Sahara Cup ODI series against Sri Lanka earlier this year saw him suspended for three ODI matches and fined $3800. More than that though, Shakib — who seemed to have forgotten that he represented 160 million — left people feeling ashamed and embarrassed for their choice of a superhero.
A few weeks later, having secured a comfortable victory against Afghanistan Shakib went on record saying, “I think our whole team knew that we will win and it will be a one-sided game. I was about to throw a banana skin in the bin. I said if it falls inside, they will score 40 and if it doesn’t they will make 80. They made 72.” Shakib not only expressed over confidence, but also arrogance and disrespect towards his Afghan counterparts who had defeated his team only a few days back.
This following incident may be taken in good spirit by some sports enthusiasts, while others will contend it as yet another display of Shakib’s arrogance and lack of respect for his adversaries. As the match against Nepal in the ICC World Twenty20 neared its end, Bangladesh needed one run to win. Shakib, who was on strike ‘nonchalantly’ denied a single that was clearly on offer, only to seal the match with a six.
It is said that examples of lack of discipline as a cricketer in Shakib’s life have been put on display in the past as well. But due to his indomitable performance on the field, many of his faults were ignored or forgiven. During the 2011 World Cup, Shakib — who was captain at the time — in an interview with a local newspaper spoke disrespectfully about former cricketers who had criticised the Tigers for their dismal performance in the tournament. This incident was yet another disheartening one. What we longed to see of Shakib was a man willing to rectify his mistakes and not one incapable of accepting criticism.
People assumed, or perhaps hoped, that since then Shakib had matured and become more prudent. But alas. After Bangladesh crashed out of the ICC World Twenty20 at home this year, another one of Shakib’s interviews made the headlines. As a fan of Shakib’s, I believe I speak on behalf of all his followers when I say that his words have hurt us. As well wishers of Bangladesh, the team had all our support throughout the tournament. All the Bangladesh matches saw jam-packed stands at the stadium, which was a reflection of our love and support for the team. Shakib, however, said in his interview that he felt people’s expectations were among the main reasons behind the team’s failure. We Bangladeshis take immense pride and joy out of cricket matches that are played at home. And nothing could have been more saddening than the words from this ace all rounder, “It would be best to play outside the country. There should not be any cricket at home for two years. The expectations of home fans will go down, which will be very good.”
In the same interview, Shakib pointed fingers at the BCB, local infrastructure, coaching, Bangladeshi players’ diet, among other things for the team’s below par showing. It seemed he had after all, not changed at all. He disappointed again.
One might think that Shakib had had enough of disappointing and letting people down for a few months. But in between sending the first draft of this article and getting it finalised, Shakib had made possible for more material to be added to this piece. During the first ODI against India on May 15, a spectator in the grand stand had allegedly spoken rudely about Shakib’s wife, Umme Shishir who was present there. Within moments Shakib — who shouldn’t even have been out of the dressing room — was reportedly seen hitting the spectator with his bare hands and shoes.
Under no circumstances is it acceptable behaviour for a national cricketer to physically assault a spectator. Shakib seems to forget time and again, that he is not just any other citizen. His actions are noticed by people across the globe. Hence, when Shakib Al Hasan beats up a spectator, a Bangladeshi cricketer beats up a man, not just any “Sakib”. When Shakib Al Hasan makes it into the records books, Bangladesh makes it into the record books.
Yet again, Shakib became the topic of discussion when it was reported first, that he had left the country to play in the Caribbean Premier League without a No-Objection Certificate from BCB. For this reason Shakib was brought back to the country. Secondly, the coach of the Bangladesh Cricket Team – Chandika Hathurusingha said in an email to BCB that Shakib had expressed the willingness to quit Test matches and ODIs for Bangladesh, which was disappointing for all Bangladeshis. However, as this announcement was never made by Shakib himself I personally wouldn’t know how seriously to take it. Furthermore, upon reaching home Shakib publicly stated that he wished to play as a representative of Bangladesh for at least another ten years.
Maybe his actions and words mean more to us because he is not just another player. He is the Bangladeshi with the highest number of runs in One Day Internationals, third highest in Test matches, highest number of wickets in Test matches, second highest number of wickets in ODIs. He is the second most consistent batsman of the country in terms of batting average in all formats. He is currently placed in the third position for both ODI and Test all rounder rankings and the second for Twenty20s. On many occasions, it was Shakib alone who led Bangladesh to victory. Two such examples among hundreds are: In October 2010 when Bangladesh completed the Banglawash against New Zealand for the first time, Shakib had been captain and man of the series; Shakib was also the man of the tournament when Bangladesh reached the finals of the Asia Cup for the first time in 2012.
At both home and abroad, Shakib has shined equally and has as a result brought recognition to Bangladesh. He is the first Bangladeshi with a Wisden Cricketer of the Year Award to his name, the first to play county cricket in England. He is the only one from the country to have been featured in domestic Twenty20 leagues in the Caribbean Islands, Australia, England, India and Sri Lanka. In the Caribbean Premier League in 2013, Shakib recorded the second best bowling figures of Twenty20 cricket when he finished with figures of 6 for 6 in his four overs.
As a Bangladeshi, I genuinely hope that Shakib encounters success many times more in the future. I pray that he continues to bring smiles to the faces of those who have few reasons to smile in this country. I want him to do well, so that it benefits MY country. But if by some miracle, Shakib was to completely turn around as a human being. If he started being humble with his words, and developed a more calm and collected personality I would regain my idol, my role model. Years ago when Shakib had only begun to take teenie tiny steps on his road to success, Shakib had become someone to look up to for the youngsters of Bangladesh. I miss that Shakib.
——————————-
Mariha Islam is a PhD candidate in University of California at Berkeley.
Source: bdnews24
