With your support I will return stronger: Shakib
Bangladesh ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was banned for two years from all forms of cricket, with one year of the sentence suspended. He admitted to all three charges of ICC's Anti-Corruption Code. The Test and T20 skipper said that he will return to cricket stronger with the people's support.
"I am obviously extremely sad to have been banned from the game I love, but I completely accept my sanction for not reporting the approaches," Shakib told the media during a press conference after ICC's announcement regarding his ban.
"The ICC ACU is reliant on players to play a central part in the fight against corruption and I didn't do my duty in this instance," he added.
Shakib can return to cricket on October 29 given he complies with ACU's conditions of not committing any offence under the Code or the rules of the national cricket federation and also participate in anti-corruption education and rehabilitation programmes. The ace all-rounder said that he can return stronger.
"Like 100 crore other fans, I want cricket to be completely free of corruption. I will cooperate with ICC and be involved in Anti-Corruption Unit's (ACU) education session so that promising young cricketers do not make the same mistake like me in the future.
"The way that the cricket fans, the people of Bangladesh, the BCB, the government during my good and bad times, I wish that your support will always remain. If I have that support, I will be able to return to cricket very soon and be able to fulfill my duties stronger than before and with more responsibility."
Bangladesh cricket board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan said: "While the BCB is shocked and extremely disappointed that an experienced player like Shakib had failed to report corrupt approach on three occasions, at the same time we are pleased that he has cooperated fully with the ICC ACU and has pledged his commitment to its education programme.
"We hope he will come back as a better and wiser cricketer and serve Bangladesh for many more years when his sanction will be over. During the suspension the BCB will continue to support his efforts at returning to cricket.
"The BCB respects the ICC's decision and shares similar sentiments against corruption in cricket."
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