Shakib appeals against six-month ban

Bangladeshi world famed all rounder Shakib Al Hasan has appealed to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to reconsider his six-month suspension given earlier this month barring him from playing cricket at all levels, reports UNB.

He has also rendered a public apology in the appeal submitted to acting CEO of the BCB Nizamuddin Chowdhury in Mirpur on Sunday.

On July 7, Shakib was suspended for various reasons, including his misbehaviour with Bangladesh's new coach Chandika Hathurusingha and his altercation with a spectator during the first ODI against India in Mirpur recently.

Nizamuddin Chowdhury confirmed that he had received the appeal and said he would forward it to the BCB directors. The directors can either meet to further consider Shakib's plea, or the BCB president Nazmul Hassan can take a decision and have it ratified by the board in the next meeting.

"I'm expressing my sincerest apologies if my behaviour has embarrassed the BCB, the Bangladesh cricket team and our fans," Shakib read from a prepared statement. "I accept that as a professional and contracted cricketer, I haven't behaved in a disciplined and restrained manner in several cases. In the future, I'm determined to behave with more restraint."

The continued: "I respect the board's decision, but there's nothing more painful than staying away from cricket. It's my life and I've worn Bangladesh's colours and BCB's logo since the Under-15 days. It's my pride."

Affirming that the Bangladesh team is above everything to him, the all-rounder said, "I give my all when I play for them and I would do so in the future. I've grown up with Bangladesh cricket, and I have an emotional connection with it. From that position, I'm requesting the BCB to reconsider my suspension."

Shakib has been involved in several disputes in the recent past. He had left for the Caribbean to play in the CPL without a valid NOC, and reportedly threatened to quit playing Tests and Twenty20 internationals when asked by Hathurusingha to return and join a training camp.

He was ordered to return to Bangladesh by the BCB, and later denied threatening to quit and said that his departure for the CPL was a result of a misunderstanding over the NOC.