Shakib Al Hasan Banned For Two Years For Not Reporting Bookie Approach: ICC

Bangladesh captain and world's best all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been banned for two years (one of those suspended), for failing to report corrupt approaches on numerous occasions, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Tuesday. Two years ago, Shakib had received an offer from a bookie, which he did not report to the ICC’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU). Responding to the ICC action, Shakib said that he was "extremely sad" by the ICC action but admitted the charges.

"I am extremely sad to have been banned from the game I love, but I completely accept my sanction for not reporting the approaches. ICC ACU is reliant on players to play a central part in fight against corruption&I didn't do my duty in this instance," he said.

This has come as a big set back for the Bangladeshi team, which is scheduled to tour India for three T20 Internationals and two Tests, starting November 3. The squad will leave for the neighbouring country on Wednesday and Shakib will not be part of it. Bangladesh will now have to face the formidable Indian side without its biggest player.

In his absence, senior-most player Mushfiqur Rahim might lead the team in Tests while one among Mahmudullah Riyadh Mosaddek Hosain is set to be the skipper in the three T20 Internationals. Shakib recently spearheaded a players' strike before calling it off after the BCB assured that their demands, including a pay hike, will be fulfilled.

After the reports of the ICC probe against Shakib in the case, Bangladesh Cricket Board chief Nazmul Hassan had also questioned his attitude. "Everything is murky. If someone doesn't want to go, there is no issue if they communicate early. There is a kind of feeling of being indispensable within the team. Attitude has to be right. This (attitude) was not there before. There may be logical reason and I will see to those later. Right now, my concern is the India tour. I am not worried about the pipeline. We have many players," he had said.