Shakib's suspension is a huge loss for our country: former BCB prez

Former Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and ICC president Mustafa Kamal on Wednesday called premier all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan's suspension before high-profile India tour "a huge loss for our country". Shakib was handed a two-year ban, with one of m suspended, by International Cricket Council on Tuesday after 32-year-old had accepted that he did t report corrupt approaches by a bookie to apex body. According to Kamal, who is w a finance minister, it will t be possible to find a replacement of Shakib anytime soon.

"It is unfortunate that we will t get Shakib's services for one year. It is a huge loss for our country. His replacement is t possible. It is t possible that his replacement will be coming up in two or three days or even in one or two months' time," Kamal was quoted as saying by 'Daily Star'.

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'Huge loss', says Mustafa Kamal

Kamal said that Shakib accepting charges and speaking truth prove his honesty. "It is a matter of great sorrow for us. But I think Shakib did good thing -- he spoke truth and proved his honesty. "I think, what he could have done is that he could have informed Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and also could have said this to hourable Prime Minister, who likes him a lot," he said. "ICC is very strict in se matters. y will never let anyone break any discipline. And especially ICC never likes any match-fixing issues." 

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Shakib banned for two years

ban comes as a huge blow for Bangladesh cricket ahead of ir much-anticipated tour of India, which comprises three T20 Internationals and two Tests, beginning with shortest format games on vember 3. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), however, said that doors will be opened for Shakib once his ban ends. "We hope he will come back as a better and wiser cricketer and serve Bangladesh for many more years when his sanction will be over," BCB said in a statement. "During suspension, BCB will continue to support his efforts at returning to cricket. " BCB respects ICC's decision and shares similar sentiments against corruption in cricket."

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