'Excited to be back in national colours'
The arrival of Shakib Al Hasan brought some excitement to the last day of the two-day players' transfer for the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.
The news spread quickly that the ace all-rounder was heading for the country's premier venue after the uncertainty regarding his transfer process was solved by the ruling of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan Papon, which allowed Shakib to choose his team as a non-pool player.
The smiling all-rounder signed for Gazi Tank Cricketers and then openly talked to the media for the first time since the board imposed a six-month ban on disciplinary grounds on July 7, which later in a board meeting on August 26 was significantly reduced to allow him to be available for selection from September 15.
“Now I don't want to look back; rather I want to think about what I can do in the coming days,” was the response from the all-rounder when asked about how life was without cricket.
He thanked everybody for the support during his tough time. “I am really happy. I must thank the board and those who helped me during that tough time. I cordially thank all of you -- including journalists, family members and those who were not known to me -- for being so supportive. I can't explain it in words. The most important and significant matter for me is that I'm getting back on the field, excited to be back among the red and green very soon,” said an excited Shakib, adding that he was a relieved man when the board reduced his punishment.
Shakib was diplomatic when he encountered a question regarding BCB's decision to stick to the sanction of not providing the left-hander with No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to play foreign leagues until December 31, 2015.
“It's totally in the board's jurisdiction. I will try my best to maintain a life which is good for everybody and also for me. I ensure that I follow the board's existing code of conduct and discipline. To err is human. But I will try my best to be a good human being. How I can improve myself and contribute for my country is my motto in everyday training,” said Shakib.
About the uncertainty over his transfer, Shakib said: “I don't want to make any comment. I believe that the board never wants to harm any player. There were some problems created as I was not in the pool due to the suspension, but I think everything is now settled through discussions,” said Shakib.
He also expressed happiness at being able to sign for his desired club.
“Naturally, for every player they have a comfort zone and every player wants to play for his desired club. And he feels bad when his desire is not fulfilled,” he opined.
Lutfur Rahman Badal, the owner of Gazi Tank Cricketers, thanked Papon for taking the right decision in the right time.
“I always make a team to become champion. Shakib is the number one all-rounder in the world and I kept a pool player quota vacant for him. I must thank BCB president as he took the right decision. But it would be fantastic if Shakib got 15 days more to play the Test series in West Indies,” said Badal.
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