Asia Cup 2016: Shakib Al Hasan reprimanded for breaking the stumps

The talented Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has been given an official reprimand by the International Cricket Council for breaching Level 1 of ICC code of conduct during the match against Pakistan in Mirpur on March 2nd in the ongoing Asia Cup.

Breaching the ICC Code of Conduct

According to a press release by ICC, the talismanic all-rounder was found to have breached Article 2.1.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel , which relates to “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International match”.

The unpleasant incident took place in the 18th over of the Bangladesh innings. Bangladesh in pursuit of Pakistan’s toal of 129-8, required 26 off the last three overs as Shakib took guard against Mohamamd Amir in the 18th over.

The Incident

Amir started the over with a magnificent yorker and put the pressure back on Shakib who was struggling a little bit with this timing. On the next ball, Shakib attempted a lap shot but he chose the wrong ball to do so. The stumps were uprooted.

What followed was an amalgamation of sheer anger and frustration, as Shakib furiuosly hit the stumps with his bat. It was such an instantaneous reaction! Shakib quickly realized what he had done and tried to make amends by apologizing to the umpire.

Bangladesh went on to win the game by 5 wickets largely due to the heroics of their captain Mashrafe Mortaza and Mahmudullah Riyad. Shakib’s incident was soon out of everyone’s mind as the delirious Bangladesh team started celebrating in unison.

The on-field umpires Anil Chaudhary and Ruchira Palliyaguruge, third umpire Enamul Haque and fourth official Shozab Raza levelled the charge on Shakib. Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee.

On Thursday morning, Shakib admitted the offence and accepted the offence. The sanction was proposed by Jeff Crowe of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees.

Disappointed Shakib

These sort of incidents can happen when the player is very determined to win for his country. Shakib too was very disappointed that he got out at the wrong time. So what he did, was simply out of angst and frustration,nothing else.

Though incidents like these should never be endorsed as an act of bravado, yet in hindsight it showed the amount of dedication Shakib has while playing for his country.