We did not know about it before: Hassan

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan said that the board was extremely shocked after Test and T20I skipper Shakib Al Hasan was handed a two-year ban from all forms of cricket, with one year of that suspended, and reiterated that it was an incredible setback for Bangladesh ahead of the important series against India.

“I have always said that we don’t have substitutes for two players – Mashrafe as a captain and Shakib as a player. He is one of the best players in the world. Him not being able to play is a real shock,” the BCB boss began as he adressed the media in Mirpur with Shakib standing by his side.

“We have a very important series in front of us. We are playing our first full series in India and ICC Test Championship is beginning. The planning behind everything was done with Shakib in mind.

“I don’t deny that I was angry at him for not reporting the issue but at the same time we are pleased that he has cooperated fully with the ICC’s ACU (Anti-Corruption Unit) and has pledged his commitment to its education programme.”

Hassan also expressly stated their none of the top brass at the BCB were aware of the investigation prior to a few days ago.

“I want to state something clearly and that is that neither I nor anyone from the BCB knew anything about the investigation, which has been going on from January. The ACU, an independent body, communicated with Shakib. He [Shakib] informed me two or three days ago following the meeting with the players regarding the strike.”

The BCB president said that they would extend ‘full support’ to Shakib so that the all-rounder could return to cricket swiftly.

“The BCB is shocked and extremely disappointed that an experienced player like Shakib failed to report a corrupt approach on three occasions,” a BCB press release quoted Nazmul as saying earlier.

“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,” the statement concluded.