In the past week, the behaviour of Shakib Al Hasan—Bangladesh's greatest cricket icon—has ignited fervent discussions across the country. The media suggests that a change in captaincy is looming, but that, in itself, would only be a cosmetic fix for deeper structural issues. The problem demands introspection beyond the surface narrative. Bangladesh cricket faces a crisis of leadership, one intertwined with Shakib’s triumphs, flaws, and the system that shaped him.
The Rise: A Boy from Magura
The cricketing world first noticed Shakib Al Hasan in 2009, a bright talent from Magura who ascended to the top of ICC’s ODI rankings and cemented his place among the finest Test bowlers. With both bat and ball, he proved to be Bangladesh's talisman, a player of rare mettle. He was more than a cricketer; he was the living embodiment of the nation’s cricketing ambition—a champion who brought legitimacy to Bangladesh's aspirations on the global stage.
Shakib redefined the possibilities for Bangladeshi cricket. He advocated for a high-performance program to bridge the gap between domestic and international standards and lobbied for reforms in the country’s first-class structure. He has inspired by setting high standards, often critiquing himself harshly even after impressive performances. Yet, the charisma that catapulted him to stardom now finds itself in conflict with his demeanour off the field.
The Flaws Beneath the Genius
For all his brilliance, Shakib’s off-field antics have begun to erode his leadership aura. His clash with the selectors ahead of the Zimbabwe tour earlier this year revealed an alarming streak of arrogance. Labelling the selectors liars and barring former captain Habibul Bashar from the dressing room crossed boundaries of both professionalism and respect. He further antagonized the management by resisting the inclusion of Mohammad Ashraful on the Test side.
Such behaviour not only strains team cohesion but also isolates Shakib himself. Despite individual brilliance, his aloofness diminishes his ability to inspire those around him. Leadership, after all, is more than scoring runs and taking wickets—it is about galvanizing a collective spirit.
Shakib, now 24, finds himself in a precarious position, where his success seems to have bred complacency and entitlement. The trappings of fame—wealth, adulation, and influence—have swelled his ego. Yet arrogance, as history teaches, is a treacherous companion to talent.
A System That Failed to Nurture Character
The root of Shakib's arrogance may lie in a systemic failure—one that plagues much of Asian cricket. As Srinivasan Narayanan, a cricket analyst, aptly pointed out, "Asian cricket often encounters a double-edged weapon. Boards eagerly thrust young talent onto the international stage, but they neglect to establish mentoring systems to guide these athletes through success, failure, fame, and criticism."
The absence of mentors for young cricketers like Shakib is glaring. His confrontations with Bashar exemplify the rift between generations that should ideally be building bridges, not barriers. In Bashar’s maturity lies an opportunity—an opportunity that has so far been wasted. It is not merely Shakib’s responsibility to reach out for guidance; it is equally incumbent upon the seniors to nurture him. Confabulation, not confrontation, should be the way forward.
The Need for Mentorship and Institutional Reform
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) must take urgent steps to address the deeper issue—a lack of mentorship and psychological support for young players. Systems must be put in place at the grassroots level to equip cricketers with life skills, teaching them to handle the pitfalls of success. Exposing them to the lives of legendary figures—Sachin Tendulkar, Imran Khan, Clive Lloyd, and Gary Sobers—can offer valuable lessons in humility, resilience, and leadership.
Tendulkar’s restraint, Imran’s political astuteness, Lloyd’s unity-building, and Sobers' grace remain exemplars of how to wield influence without arrogance. These icons not only played the game at the highest level but also navigated success without losing sight of humility. Shakib must learn that talent alone is not enough—it is the ability to inspire through actions and attitude that defines true greatness.
The Path Forward: Not a Change, But a Challenge
Calls for Shakib’s removal as captain are misguided. He remains Bangladesh’s finest cricketer and the most capable leader—if his energies can be redirected. Stripping him of captaincy would address only the symptoms, not the cause. Bangladesh cricket needs Shakib, but it also needs Shakib to evolve.
The solution lies in remedial action, not rejection. A structured mentoring program, combined with regular psychological counselling, could help restore balance to his leadership. Shakib must rediscover the joy and responsibility that comes with leading a nation. As Bangladesh's cricketing torchbearer, he has the opportunity not just to lead but to redefine leadership for future generations.
If Shakib’s arrogance is the problem, then the answer lies in guided introspection, not punishment. A great player is not one who never falls, but one who rises every time he does. Shakib has fallen—but he can rise again, not just as a cricketer, but as a leader who embodies grace, humility, and vision.
Bangladesh cricket is at a crossroads. The time to act is now—not by changing the captain, but by changing the system that failed to nurture his spirit. Shakib Al Hasan remains the best man to lead the team. It is up to the BCB, the seniors, and Shakib himself to ensure that this opportunity for transformation is not squandered.
Because in the final analysis, it isn’t merely about one player—it is about the future of Bangladesh cricket.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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