Published 11:45 IST, October 30th 2019
Shakib Al Hasan's alleged Whatsapp chat brought to light by ICC
Shakib Al Hasan's alleged Whatsapp chat with Deepak Aggarwal has been brought to light by the International Cricket Council (ICC). He is banned for two years.
Shaki Al Hasan who has been arguably the best cricketer of Bangladesh and one of the finest all-rounders in world cricket was on Tuesday got a suspended sentence - which meant that he could return to action in a year. 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 earlier. Meanwhile, it has also been reported that Al Hasan's Whatsapp chat with an alleged bookie has been released by ICC.
Shakib's Whatsapp chat with an alleged bookie
As per reports, the International Cricket Council (ICC) revealed the complete details about Shakib's Whatsapp chat with an alleged bookie named Deepak Aggarwal in public. According to the governing body of world cricket's seven-page report, the veteran all-rounder had confirmed to the ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit that on January 19, 2018, he had received a WhatsApp message from Deepak Aggarwal who had congratulated him for being adjudged man of the match in a match that was played on that particular day. There was another follow-up from Agarwal where he had asked Shakib whether they work this or does he (Agarwal) wait till the IPL. This incident had happened during Bangladesh's tri-series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. The report further added that the reference to 'work' in the Whatsapp message was a reference to him providing the inside information to Deepak Aggarwal and that the star all-rounder had also failed to report this conversation between the alleged bookie to either the ACU or any other anti-corruption authority. Reports have even said that Shakib was once again contacted by Aggarwal during that particular edition of the IPL as well.
Shakib Al Hasan banned for two years
The ban comes as a huge blow for Bangladesh cricket ahead of their much-anticipated tour of India, which comprises three T20 Internationals and two Tests, beginning with the shortest format games on November 3. The 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 the suspension, the BCB will continue to support his efforts at returning to cricket. "The BCB respects the ICC's decision and shares similar sentiments against corruption in cricket."
Updated 12:52 IST, October 30th 2019