Published 13:52 IST, October 30th 2019
Ramiz Raja reacts to Shakib's ban, says ''no one is above the game''
Ramiz Raja has made a huge statement on star Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan's two-year ban by saying that it is a lesson that no one is above the game.
Ramiz Raja has been one of the successful commentators, cricket analyst, and presenter ever since he has hung his boots from cricket. Raja had represented Pakistan in 57 Tests and 198 One Day Internationals between 1984 to 1997. He was also a part of the Pakistan squad that had won their first and only World Cup in 1992. Ramiz Raja also gives his opinions on social media which sometimes goes well but there are times when they do not go down well with the fans as well. Recently, the cricketer-turned-commentator had come forward to comment on Shakib Al Hasan's ban.
'No one is bigger than the game': Ramiz Raja
After Shakib Al Hasan was handed a two-year ban along with a one-year suspension for not reporting a corrupt approach made by a bookie, Ramiz Raja took to the micro-blogging site and wrote that the star all-rounder's ban has a lesson for all sports lovers and sportsmen. He wrote that if someone disregards the game and tries to become bigger than the game by sidetracking the rules and protocols then that person better be prepared for a fantastic fall. He then added that Shakib's ban was indeed sad.
Read Ramiz Raja's tweet here:
Mohammad Ashraful surprised by Shakib's actions
In an interview with a publication, the former Bangladesh cricketer said that he was surprised that a man of Shakib's stature did not report the corrupt approach. He went on to say that Shakib should have been more careful, especially when there were multiple attempts made by the bookie. Mohammad Ashraful, who was banned for eight years from international cricket for match-fixing, felt that Shakib's ban could hurt Bangladesh's chances against India and in the T20 World Cup next year. Citing his own case, Mohammad Ashraful said that he had learned it the hard way and said that the players should always remain alert towards such corrupt approaches.
Updated 15:05 IST, October 30th 2019