DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — Celebrated Bangladesh allrounder Shakib Al Hasan has apologized after kicking over the stumps in a wild reaction to a cricket umpire’s decision on Friday.
In a Dhaka Premier League match between traditional rivals, Mohammedan Sporting Club captain Shakib was bowling against Abahani Limited captain Mushfiqur Rahim, a fellow Bangladesh international.
When Shakib’s appeal for lbw was denied by the umpire, he kicked at the stumps, uprooted them and threw them. He left the field because of a rain delay but his side eventually won.
Kazi Inam, the chairman of the body which runs the DPL, said any disciplinary action will depend on the report of the umpires and match referee.
“If someone breaches the discipline, action will be taken as per the rules,” he said.
But after Shakib’s misbehaviour drew heavy public criticism and some support on social media, he apologised.
“I am extremely sorry for losing my temper and ruining the match for everyone and especially those who are watching from home,” he wrote on Facebook. “An experienced player like me should not have reacted that way but sometimes against all odds it happens unfortunately.
“I apologise to the teams, management, tournament officials and organizing committee for this human error. Hopefully, I won’t be repeating this again in the future.”
Cricket’s former No. 1 allrounder is no stranger to controversy.
Bangladesh suspended him for six months in 2014 for attitude problems that included a lewd gesture on TV, beating a spectator in the stadium, and travelling to the Caribbean Premier League without a clearance.
Also, he was banned by the International Cricket Council for two years in 2019, with one year of that suspended, due to his failure to report corrupt approaches from bookies. He returned to national duty this year against the West Indies.
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