Shakib Al Hasan Calls His Ban 'A Blessing In Disguise' As The All-Rounder Prepares His Return To International Cricket

Bangladeshi all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan is set to return to professional level cricket after serving his one-year suspension handed by the ICC. He is expected to return to cricket through the Bangabandhu T20 Cup later this month. Shakib might make his international comeback for the Sri Lanka series.

The left-hander was handed a two-year ban, one year suspended, by the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) on October 29 last year, for failing to report approaches by an Indian bookmaker, Deepak Aggarwal. It was reported that Aggarwal approach Shakib thrice to gain confidential information.

It’s a blessing in disguise: Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib Al Hasan recently has said that the time off the field has helped him think positively. He says that the ban was a blessing in disguise which has opened new doors for him to ponder on life in different ways. The all-rounder said that he is coming back from a tough year and he is more mature.

In a video posted on his official YouTube channel. Shakib Al Hasan said, “…it helped me in many ways and mostly in positive ways. Lot of doors opened for me and I can think about life differently, it’s a blessing in disguise. I don’t regret this one year,”

“When a man comes back from this situation he is much more matured. Now I think differently than before and it will surely help me in my life.”

The 33-year-old said that even if other players in the team don’t trust him completely, he would be fine and respect their views. However, Shakib has spoken to most of his teammates, and he felt warm and welcome by them.

Earlier, T20I skipper, Mahmudullah has clearly stated that the team is delighted to have their senior statesman back in the dressing room.

“I am not sure what is going through anyone’s mind. They can doubt me or have no trust in me and I don’t disapprove it totally.

“But as I have spoken with almost everyone I did not feel it that way. I think they will believe me like the way they used to do but as you said anyone can have doubt over me at some corner of his mind because it is such a thing,” Shakib added.

Shakib last played international cricket in September 2019 when Bangladesh hosted Afghanistan. His last appearance in ODIs was in the 2019 World Cup in England. He was a vital cog in the Bangladesh team, which defeated South Africa and West Indies in the mega tournament. The left-hander scored 606 runs at an average of 86 with 2 centuries and 5 half-centuries. He also picked 11 wickets.

Shakib has regained his number one spot in the ICC ODI all-rounder’s ranking after his one-year ban from international cricket ended on October 28th.

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