Star all-rounder of Bangladeshi cricket Shakib Al Hasan, in a recent Facebook post has said the investigation conducted by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in corruption charges against him was confidential and fully independent.
"I wish to make it very clear that the entire investigation by the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit was confidential," he said in a Facebook status posted on the early hours of Saturday (Nov 2).
"The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) only came to know about it from me just a few days before the announcement of the sanction," he said.
Shakib also asked his fans and well-wishers to keep calm and patient.
"To all my fans and well wishers, let me start by saying that I have been touched and felt blessed by your unconditional support and affection during what has been a very difficult time for me and my family. In the last few days I have realised more than ever what it means to represent your country.
"On that note, I am requesting calm and patience from all my supporters who may have felt aggrieved at the sanction imposed on me," his post said.
The all-rounder also lauded BCB for being supportive of him during his difficult times.
"The BCB has been most supportive and understanding of my situation and I am grateful for that," Shakib said.
He said he accepted the ban imposed on him for two years – with one year of that suspended, by International Cricket Council’s Anti-Corruption Unit – because he felt "it was the right thing to do."
"I can understand why many people are offering to help and I really appreciate that," he said in his post. "However, there is a process in place and I have accepted my ban because I felt that was the right thing to do."
"My entire focus now is on returning to the cricket field and playing for Bangladesh again in 2020. Until then keep me in your prayers and heart. Thank you," he concluded.
The ace cricketer accepted three charges of breaching the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Code 2.4.4 of failure to disclose to ACU the full details of any approaches or invitations he received to engage in corruption on Oct 29.
However, the second of the two years of his ban will be suspended, provided he does not repeat the offence over the next year and takes part in any education and/or rehabilitation programs specified by the ICC.
