The Perils of Power: Shakib Al Hasan’s Axing and the Fragile Nature of Leadership in Bangladesh Cricket

 

As Dhaka braces for the glamour of Lionel Messi’s arrival in the much-anticipated Argentina-Nigeria clash, the Bangladesh cricket fraternity finds itself in turmoil. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has unceremoniously stripped Shakib Al Hasan of the captaincy, with vice-captain Tamim Iqbal also removed from his leadership role. A decision that reflects not only on the volatile dynamics of Bangladeshi cricket but also on the complexities of leadership and the fragile relationship between talent and responsibility.

The Rise of a Cricketing Icon

Shakib's journey to the top was a story of meteoric ascent. Stepping into the captaincy when Mashrafe Mortaza was sidelined by injury, Shakib quickly emerged as the undisputed leader of a young, ambitious team. His dynamic presence on the field, sharp cricketing mind, and ability to lead by example elevated Bangladesh’s profile on the international stage. Under his stewardship, the Tigers earned memorable victories, and Shakib himself became a figure of national pride—embodying Bangladesh’s growing stature in world cricket.  

Yet, with every peak comes the threat of a fall. Shakib’s on-field brilliance was soon overshadowed by off-field turbulence. The recent series defeat against Zimbabwe, which saw a lacklustre display from both players and leadership, exacerbated frustrations. However, what seemed to seal his fate was not poor form but his behaviour away from the field—deemed arrogant by the BCB and unbecoming of a national captain.

Youth, Fame, and the Pitfalls of Success

Shakib’s removal raises critical questions about how leadership is cultivated and managed in modern sports. At 24 years old, it’s not unusual for an athlete to struggle with the sudden pressures of fame, wealth, and responsibility. Shakib found himself thrust into the dual burden of leading a national side while managing the distractions that come with success. His story is not unique—sports history is littered with young stars whose talents were nearly derailed by the weight of expectations.   

Rather than nurturing their young captain through these inevitable growing pains, the BCB chose the path of punitive action. In axing Shakib, the board may have sown seeds of discord between themselves and one of the finest talents the nation has ever produced. What might have been a defining partnership between a gifted cricketer and a maturing institution now risks turning into an avoidable conflict.

The BCB's decision reflects a deeper issue: a lack of structured mentoring and emotional support within the team environment. Cricket boards elsewhere have invested in psychological training, leadership development, and mentorship programs to help young captains grow into their roles. The absence of such systems in Bangladesh leaves players vulnerable, forced to navigate fame and leadership with little guidance. 

Had the BCB implemented a structured mentoring program, perhaps drawing expertise from countries like Australia, South Africa, or England, Shakib’s trajectory might have been different. In fact, many cricket boards across the world recognize that leadership is not just about tactical acumen but also about personal growth—and that even the most talented individuals need help to grow into effective leaders.

A Tale of Two Captains: Lessons from Dhoni

A parallel can be drawn with India’s captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who, like Shakib, faced immense pressure during a crisis. After a disastrous 0-4 whitewash in England, the media and fans clamoured for Dhoni’s removal. But the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) resisted the urge to axe him, recognizing that leaders—no matter how successful—will inevitably face rough patches. Dhoni’s quiet resilience through those troubled times is now the stuff of legend, as he went on to guide India to greater heights.  

The BCB might have drawn a lesson from this. Shakib is to Bangladesh what Dhoni is to India—a natural leader with the ability to galvanize a team. Yet, instead of recognizing that leadership grows through adversity, the BCB opted for a quick fix. It is easy to forget that captaincy, like any craft, requires patience and support. It is in moments of crisis that great leaders are forged, but only if they are given the time and tools to rise again.

The Future: A Leadership Gamble

In the aftermath of Shakib’s removal, Mushfiqur Rahim is likely to take over the reins. While Rahim is an able cricketer with a sound mind for the game, one cannot help but wonder whether Bangladesh has lost more than it has gained. Shakib’s removal risks unsettling a team still finding its identity—one that needs both stability and inspiration. For a side with an average age hovering between 20 and 25, leadership is not merely about strategy; it’s about teaching young players how to handle fame, setbacks, and success with grace.

The board’s decision to sever Shakib’s tenure rather than repair it may leave long-lasting scars. When a cricket board acts impulsively, it risks not just the morale of the player in question but the collective spirit of the entire team. Leaders are not born—they are shaped. And in Shakib, Bangladesh had the raw material for greatness. With more measured intervention—a stern conversation, a public show of support, or a temporary demotion—the BCB could have addressed Shakib’s behavioural issues without dismantling his leadership.

A Missed Opportunity for Growth

Leadership in sports, like life, is about more than just performance. It is about navigating the highs and lows with resilience, humility, and wisdom. Shakib Al Hasan may have faltered off the field, but his potential as a leader remains untapped. The BCB’s decision to remove him as captain seems less a solution and more a missed opportunity—an opportunity to mould a young, talented cricketer into a long-term leader who could guide the team through future challenges. 

Time will tell whether the board’s gamble pays off. For now, one can only hope that this decision does not widen the rift between Shakib and the BCB beyond repair. Cricket, after all, is not just about runs and wickets; it is about the relationships that define a team’s journey. And in the case of Bangladesh, the story of Shakib Al Hasan may well become a cautionary tale—a reminder of what happens when talent is not met with trust and when potential is squandered in the name of discipline.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Habibul Bashar: The Steady Hand That Shaped Bangladesh Cricket’s Rise

In the annals of Bangladesh cricket, few names resonate as profoundly as Habibul Bashar. More than a player, he was a statesman of the game, a leader who imbued a fledgling cricketing nation with a sense of purpose and legitimacy. At a time when Bangladesh cricket oscillated between flashes of brilliance and persistent struggles, Bashar emerged as the anchor capable of charting a course toward respectability. His captaincy, underpinned by resilience and a quiet yet firm demeanour, transformed the narrative of Bangladesh cricket, leaving an indelible legacy. 

The Captain Bangladesh Needed

When Bashar assumed the captaincy in 2004, Bangladesh cricket was in desperate need of a leader who could galvanize talent into results. Succeeding Khaled Mahmud, Bashar inherited a team brimming with potential but plagued by inconsistency. Yet, under his stewardship, a new generation of players—including Shahriar Nafees, Abdur Razzak, Aftab Ahmed, and a young Shakib Al Hasan—found their footing. His leadership fostered self-belief in a squad that had often been viewed as little more than enthusiastic underdogs. 

The presence of coach Dave Whatmore complemented Bashar’s leadership. Together, they cultivated a culture of discipline and resilience, traits that would come to define the Tigers. For the first time, Bangladesh began to approach matches with the confidence of a team that belonged on the international stage. 

The Batsman: Elegance with a Tinge of Unpredictability

As a batsman, Bashar’s style mirrored his personality—calm, yet assertive when needed. His hallmark pull and hook shots were executed with a flourish that earned admiration, though their impetuousness often betrayed him. Bashar’s ability to counterattack against pace on testing tracks made him a standout, particularly in Bangladesh’s early years in Test cricket. 

His performance in Bangladesh’s inaugural Test against India in Dhaka remains etched in memory. On a damp pitch, with Javagal Srinath and Zaheer Khan exploiting the conditions, Bashar’s gritty 70 became a template for Bangladeshi batsmen facing adversity. Yet, his career was not without its trials. A victim of erratic selection policies, Bashar’s path to success was marked by perseverance. The nickname “Mr Consistent” was not merely a testament to his runs but also to his ability to weather the turbulence of Bangladesh’s cricketing infancy. 

Ironically, while the captaincy elevated Bashar’s stature as a leader, it seemed to diminish his batting prowess. His signature strokes, though still present, rarely yielded the prolific returns of earlier years, adding a bittersweet note to his tenure. 

Milestones in Leadership

Bashar’s captaincy ushered in a period of milestones that elevated Bangladesh cricket from obscurity to recognition. In 2004, he led Bangladesh to their first overseas ODI win, defeating Zimbabwe, and later to a historic ODI victory over India in Dhaka. The following year saw Bangladesh claim their first Test and ODI series wins, again against Zimbabwe—a harbinger of their growing capability. 

The pinnacle of Bashar’s leadership came in 2005 when Bangladesh stunned cricketing powerhouse Australia in Cardiff during the NatWest Tri-Nation series. This victory was more than an upset; it was a declaration that Bangladesh could be a giant killer. Subsequent ODI series wins over Kenya and Zimbabwe in 2006 solidified their progress. 

The 2007 ICC World Cup remains Bashar’s crowning achievement. Under his guidance, Bangladesh delivered one of the tournament’s most memorable moments: a stunning victory over India in Trinidad that propelled them to the Super Eights while eliminating a formidable Indian side. A further triumph against South Africa cemented their status as a rising force in world cricket. 

The Decline and Controversy

The latter years of Bashar’s career, however, were marked by decline and controversy. Following a disappointing Test series against India in 2007, he was relieved of the captaincy, which passed to the mercurial Mohammad Ashraful. Bashar’s waning form, coupled with the emergence of younger players, signalled the end of his international career. 

In 2008, Bashar’s move to the Indian Cricket League (ICL) as captain of the Dhaka Warriors led to a ten-year ban from the Bangladesh Cricket Board. This chapter, though controversial, underscored the complexities faced by players navigating limited opportunities and a cricket board in flux. 

A New Role: Architect of the Future

Time, however, softened the edges of Bashar’s contentious exit. Welcomed back into the fold, he transitioned to a role as a national selector, tasked with shaping the future of Bangladesh cricket. In this capacity, Bashar has brought the same calm pragmatism that defined his playing and captaincy days, identifying and nurturing the next generation of talent. 

 Legacy and Reflection

Habibul Bashar’s legacy is not merely one of statistics or milestones but of transformation. He took a team that was often an afterthought in international cricket and imbued it with belief and direction. His leadership laid the foundation upon which Bangladesh cricket continues to build. 

As a player, captain, and now selector, Bashar’s contributions reflect a career defined by passion, perseverance, and a deep commitment to his country’s cricketing aspirations. His story is a testament to the power of steady leadership in a sport often dictated by fleeting moments of brilliance. 

In the narrative of Bangladesh cricket, Habibul Bashar stands as a beacon of stability—a man who, through his courage and composure, guided his nation from promise to possibility, and from possibility to achievement.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

A Reappraisal of Misbah-ul-Haq’s Captaincy: A Lesson in Leadership and Resilience

If you had asked me a few years ago whether I supported Misbah-ul-Haq’s appointment as captain of Pakistan, my response would have been an emphatic NO. Frankly, Younis Khan has always been my preferred leader. To me, Younis embodied the quintessential Pakistani captain—aggressive, spirited, and brimming with that raw energy which has historically defined the nation’s cricket. By contrast, Misbah’s stoic demeanour, almost reluctant body language, and cautious approach left me unconvinced. He lacked the visible fire that I thought was essential to inspire a team known as much for its brilliance as for its volatility. 

When the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) handed the reins to Misbah, I was deeply sceptical. Pakistan cricket was in a slump, caught in a mire of inconsistency, and in my view, they needed a leader with an indomitable spirit to rally them. Misbah, at that time, did not appear to fit the bill. I feared his approach would drain the spark from a team that thrives on emotional highs. Yet, with the benefit of hindsight, I have realized that my initial assessment was shortsighted - misjudging leadership based on appearances alone is a common, albeit regrettable, mistake. 

Leadership Beyond Appearance: Still Waters Run Deep 

Misbah-ul-Haq’s tenure as captain gradually revealed that leadership comes in many forms. It became clear that his seemingly reserved demeanour concealed a deeper strength - one rooted not in theatrics but in consistency, discipline, and composure. In hindsight, his appointment was precisely what Pakistan cricket needed during a turbulent period. A volatile team calls for stability, and Misbah, in his quiet and unassuming way, provided just that. His captaincy embodied the proverb: “Still waters run deep.” 

Beneath the calm exterior was a man resolute in his mission to rebuild the team, and his leadership became the balm that soothed a historically fractious dressing room. 

Misbah was not just a captain but a "man-manager" par excellence. He succeeded in cultivating a harmonious environment in a team notorious for internal strife. Keeping such a diverse and emotionally charged group united is no small feat, especially when expectations are perpetually high. Misbah's ability to maintain order and foster unity behind closed doors deserves recognition. His leadership may not have fit the traditional mould of Pakistani captains, but in many ways, it was a more sustainable model. 

Defending the Defensive Approach 

While I remain a sceptic of defensive captaincy as a philosophy, Misbah’s pragmatism proved to be precisely what the situation demanded. Pakistan’s vulnerabilities - both on and off the field - called for a captain who could prioritize consolidation over flamboyance. Misbah’s methods, though conservative, provided the team with structure, which had long been missing. Cricket, like life, sometimes demands flexibility; not every game is won with aggression, and Misbah’s more measured approach created a much-needed foundation for stability and long-term success. 

Leading from the Front: A Captain Reborn 

Interestingly, the burden of captaincy did not weigh Misbah down - instead, it galvanized his own performance. His batting, though never dazzling, became a steady source of valuable runs at crucial moments. In Test cricket, where patience and resilience often trump flair, Misbah's methodical accumulation proved invaluable. By leading from the front with the bat, he inspired his teammates, showing that leadership is about setting an example, not just issuing directives. 

In retrospect, I was mistaken in doubting Misbah’s capability to lead. His tenure demonstrated that leadership is not merely about charisma or aggression; it is about knowing when to be firm, when to be flexible, and, most importantly, how to instil belief in those you lead. Pakistan cricket, under Misbah, found a new resolve—a mental clarity that had long been elusive. 

Misbah’s Legacy 

Misbah-ul-Haq’s captaincy serves as a lesson in the deceptive nature of appearances and the importance of adaptive leadership. His approach may not have aligned with traditional expectations, but it was precisely what Pakistan cricket required at that moment in history. Misbah brought stability, cohesion, and professionalism to a team that had often lacked these qualities. And though his tenure might not have been defined by flamboyant tactics, it left a lasting impact - both on the scoreboard and in the spirit of the players he led. 

In the end, I don’t mind admitting I was wrong. Misbah proved that true leadership is not about conforming to expectations but about understanding what your team needs - and delivering exactly that. His story reminds us that leaders are not born from archetypes; they are forged in moments of crisis. And for Pakistan cricket, Misbah-ul-Haq’s captaincy was a moment of quiet triumph.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar