‘He’s mentally disturbed’ – Bangladesh Cricket Board President lashes out at Shakib Al Hasan

The Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hassan retaliated to Bangladesh all-rounder’s Shakib Al Hasan’s comments on Monday. Earlier, Shakib had hinted that he is no longer interested in being part of the Tigers’ tour of South Africa, citing mental and physical exhaustion with international cricket.

“If he is not willing to play please tell us but it becomes difficult if he informs us at the last minute, then it becomes a problem,” Hassan said in his statement. “We made the plan for South Africa keeping him in mind and now when he says things it does hamper our planning. Members of the coaching staff and the team management are not sure what is happening.”

The former captain’s comments came as a surprise, considering he had signed up for the IPL auction only a month ago on 12 and 13 February, going unsold at his base price of 2 crore.

“Would he have said the same thing if he was picked in the IPL? Would he have said that he is mentally exhausted?” Hassan asked.

Hassan threatens to take action if players, like Shakib, don’t follow their contracts

Hassan continued, “It is surprising to be honest. I don’t know what he is saying now but his last conversation with me was in Chattogram where he said he would play and that’s all I know.”

Shakib was adamant about his reluctance to be included in the South Africa tour squad. He went so far as to say he felt like a ‘passenger’ in the Afghanistan series, and that he didn’t enjoy the limited overs games at all.

“I think he is mentally disturbed,” Hassan said. “What I feel is why won’t he enjoy playing against Afghanistan because we had beaten them and if any cricketer is not enjoying the success of his team, then it is a big problem.

Hassan has hinted that the BCB may be forced to take action, noting that all players are obliged to fellow their contract without exception. “It is totally new to me because he was not interested to play Tests (initially). Lok we won’t force any cricketer but if anyone is under contract then he has to follow it. Otherwise we have to take such a step that won’t be good for anyone.”