Shakib Al Hasan is undeniably one of the greatest cricketers Bangladesh has ever produced. The all-rounder has consistently performed on the international stage, helping his team defeat cricketing giants like New Zealand, Australia, and England. As the ICC’s No. 1 all-rounder, Shakib has achieved milestones that any cricketer would dream of. He made history in the 2019 ODI World Cup as the first player ever to score more than 500 runs and take over 10 wickets in a single edition. Additionally, he became the first Bangladeshi cricketer to score 5,000 runs in ODIs, while achieving multiple centuries, double centuries, and five-wicket hauls.
Yet, despite his incredible cricketing accomplishments, Shakib’s career has been marred by a string of controversies that have cast a shadow over his legacy. From anger issues and disciplinary incidents to accusations of involvement in a match-fixing scandal, Shakib Al Hasan’s story raises the question: is he a hero or a villain of Bangladesh cricket?
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A Star on the Rise: Shakib Al Hasan’s Early Career
Shakib Al Hasan burst onto the international scene in 2006, debuting against Zimbabwe at the age of 17. In his very first ODI, he scored an unbeaten 30 runs and took his first international wicket. His rise was swift—by his fifth ODI, he had already scored a half-century, and in his seventh ODI, he picked up a three-wicket haul. His performances quickly made him a dependable player for Bangladesh.
During the 2007 ODI World Cup, Shakib’s match-winning performances, including a key half-century against India, gained him global recognition. He continued to impress, especially in 2008 when he took 7 wickets for just 36 runs against New Zealand, setting the record for Bangladesh’s best bowling figures. By 2010, Shakib had cemented himself as Bangladesh’s top player, but it was also around this time that his temperament began to draw attention.
The First Glimpse of Controversy
In October 2010, during a match against New Zealand, Shakib’s temper first came to light. Batting on 92, Shakib was distracted by movement behind the sight screen. After unsuccessfully trying to warn the person, Shakib lost his cool and threatened the individual with his bat. Although he went on to score a century in the match, his outburst raised eyebrows. While the incident was largely excused due to his performance, it was clear that Shakib had a fiery temper bubbling beneath the surface.
More Success—and More Controversy
Despite his temper, Shakib’s dominance on the field continued. By 2014, the ICC ranked him as the world’s No. 1 T20 all-rounder. But this year also marked the beginning of more serious disciplinary issues. In an Asia Cup match, Shakib was dismissed after a poorly judged shot and, frustrated by commentators criticizing him, made an inappropriate gesture on live television. As a result, he was fined and banned for three matches by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
The same year, Shakib found himself in a confrontation with Bangladesh’s head coach, Chandika Hathurusingha. After being denied permission to participate in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Shakib threatened to retire from Tests and T20s if not allowed to go. Prioritizing a franchise league over his national team shocked the BCB, leading to Shakib’s six-month suspension from international cricket, which was later reduced to three and a half months after his apology.
The Match-Fixing Scandal
In 2019, Shakib Al Hasan’s career took a major hit when he was banned by the ICC for two years, with one year suspended, for failing to report approaches by bookies. Shakib admitted that he had been approached twice in 2018—once during a tri-series involving Sri Lanka and India, and once during the IPL while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad. His failure to report these approaches violated the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Code, leading to his suspension from international cricket.
This incident not only tarnished Shakib’s reputation but also dealt a blow to Bangladesh cricket’s image. The fact that their biggest star had failed to comply with anti-corruption regulations was a huge embarrassment for the country.
Return to Cricket: A Hero’s Comeback?
Shakib returned to international cricket in 2021 and quickly resumed his form, contributing significantly to Bangladesh’s victories. In the same year, he became Bangladesh’s highest wicket-taker in ODIs, surpassing 300 wickets. His on-field performance remains unmatched, making him one of the most valuable players in Bangladesh’s cricket history.
However, Shakib’s unpredictable behavior continues to overshadow his achievements. In a 2021 Dhaka Premier League match, Shakib’s anger flared once again when an umpire rejected his appeal. In frustration, Shakib kicked the stumps and later uprooted them during a rain delay. His outburst drew widespread criticism, with many questioning his sportsmanship and self-control.
Shakib Al Hasan – Hero or Villain?
Shakib Al Hasan’s career has been a roller-coaster ride, filled with record-breaking performances and headline-grabbing controversies. On one hand, his contributions to Bangladesh cricket are undeniable—he’s their highest wicket-taker, a match-winner, and a cricketing icon. On the other hand, his repeated involvement in controversies, from anger-fueled outbursts to his role in the match-fixing scandal, has damaged his reputation.
In the end, Shakib Al Hasan’s legacy will always be a mix of brilliance and controversy. He remains a hero to millions of Bangladeshi cricket fans, but his actions have also brought embarrassment to the sport. Whether he’s remembered more as a hero or a villain will depend on how he conducts himself in the final stages of his career and beyond.
