Top 6 Shakib Al Hasan Controversies Which Highlight His 'Bad Boy' Persona

Shakib Al Hasan's career has been marred with controversies

Shakib Al Hasan's career has been as eventful off the field as it has been on it. Recently, while playing in Global T20 Canada 2024, Shakib, who was leading Bangla Tigers Mississauga, once again found himself in the eye of the storm.

This latest controversy unfolded during the Eliminator match against Toronto Nationals in Brampton, where rain played spoilsport, preventing the match from starting as scheduled.

With no respite from the rain, tournament officials decided to resolve the match with a Super Over, in line with the playing regulations. However, this decision did not sit well with Shakib Al Hasan, who chose to make a stand by not appearing for the Super Over toss in protest.

Shakib's defiance and the consequential fallout are just the latest in a series of controversies that have dotted his career. Here's a closer look at the top six most notable controversies involving Shakib Al Hasan:

6. Abusing & Disrespecting the Umpires – 2015 & 2021

Shakib Al Hasan uproots and kick stumps in anger (Twitter)

Shakib's interactions with umpires have occasionally crossed the line into overt dissent. In the heat of competition during the 2015 Bangladesh Premier League, Shakib let his temper get the better of him.

During the match, he lost his cool and hurled abuses at umpire Tanvir Ahmed after he dismissed the appeal against opposition batter Mushfiqur Rahim. This incident resulted in a one-match ban and a $250 fine.

Not learning from past mistakes, in 2021, his frustrations boiled over once again during a Dhaka Premier Division T20 Cricket League game where he kicked and uprooted the stumps after the umpire had turned down his appeal.

5. Unsettled Debts Worth Tk. 1 Crore - 2024

Amidst the cricket pitches, Shakib Al Hasan's entrepreneurial venture, Shakib Al Hasan Agro Farm, recently encountered its own controversy off the field.

Established in 2016, the crab farm in Satkhira faced closure in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to substantial financial strain.

Allegations surfaced from multiple creditors, including key suppliers and landowners, claiming unpaid debts exceeding Tk. 1 Crore.

Shakib pledged to settle the debts contingent upon receiving government loans. Meanwhile, the resolution of this matter remains critical to restoring his reputation, both as a cricketer and a businessman.

4. Retirement Declaration via Text - 2014

In a move that left the cricket world baffled, Shakib announced his retirement from international cricket in 2014 through a text message to his coach while skipping a training camp.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), feeling blindsided, handed him a six-month suspension for what they termed "serious misbehaviour."

This suspension was later reduced to three-and-a-half months, but the incident remains an obvious example of Shakib’s impulsive decision-making.

3. Crossing the Line with Inappropriate Gesture - 2014

Shakib Al Hasan making an inappropriate gesture after his dismissal (Twitter)

During an ODI against Sri Lanka at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in 2014, Shakib made an inappropriate gesture on camera, which was broadcast live.

This occurred after he was dismissed for 24 runs and the commentators dissected his performance, which seemingly frustrated him.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board acted swiftly, imposing a three-match ban and fining him $3,800 for conduct that was deemed detrimental to the spirit of the game.

2. The Nidahas Trophy Protest - 2018

Bangladesh dressing room glass broken into pieces (Twitter)

The Nidahas Trophy in 2018 was a tri-nation series that was supposed to be a celebration of Sri Lanka's 70th year of independence but ended up being remembered for the dramatic scenes during a match between Bangladesh and the hosts.

A reversed no-ball decision led to Shakib, in a moment of fury, approaching the field's edge, threatening to withdraw his players in protest.

The situation nearly spiralled out of control and was only defused with difficulty, with subsequent damage to property in the form of a shattered glass door in the dressing room.

1. Failing to Report Corrupt Approaches - 2019

Perhaps the most serious of all, Shakib was banned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2019 for two years for failing to report corrupt approaches.

This included not disclosing attempts of corruption during the Tri-Series involving Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe, as well as the Indian Premier League in 2018.

Shakib’s ban, which was backdated, sidelined him until October 2020, but it added another unforgettable chapter to a long list of his controversies.

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