[Fact Check] Was Shakib Al Hasan Harassed In Bangladesh After World Cup?

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 witnessed a rollercoaster of emotions for Bangladesh fans, as their team, captained by the illustrious Shakib Al Hasan, faced unexpected challenges in the group stages, ultimately leading to their exit from the tournament. Amidst the disappointment, rumors circulated about discord within the team, particularly concerning Tamim Iqbal’s absence and alleged rifts.

Before the World Cup commenced, Bangladesh stirred controversy by omitting Tamim Iqbal from the final 15-member squad. The selectors attributed this decision to Tamim’s back injury, but the plot thickened when Shakib Al Hasan, in an interview with a sports channel, disclosed a different narrative. According to Shakib, Tamim refused to bat at No 3 in the first World Cup match against Afghanistan, leading to his exclusion. The all-rounder didn’t mince words, labeling Tamim ‘childish’ and questioning his commitment to the team.

Adding fuel to the fire, Shakib expressed dissatisfaction with Tamim’s abrupt resignation from the captaincy mere months before the World Cup. In the world of cricket, where unity and strategic planning are paramount, Shakib argued that such decisions should have been made well in advance. The leadership turmoil within the team became a subplot that echoed the challenges faced on the field.

[Fact Check] Was Shakib Al Hasan Harassed In Bangladesh After World Cup?

In the aftermath of Bangladesh’s World Cup exit, a video circulated on social media showing Shakib Al Hasan being pushed and pulled by fans in a shopping mall. The narrative surrounding this incident painted a grim picture of Bangladeshis mistreating their cricketing legend. However, a closer look reveals a different story. This video, in fact, dates back to the Asia Cup, where Shakib left a crucial match to launch a gold showroom in Dubai for an escaped murderer.

The widely shared video turned out to be a piece of misinformation, capitalizing on emotions stirred during the World Cup exit. Shakib’s actions during the Asia Cup, leaving the national team to attend to personal commitments, had already strained the relationship between the cricketer and the fans. It’s crucial to differentiate between genuine criticism and sensationalized narratives to provide a fair and accurate representation.

Kalesh b/w Bangladeshi Fans and Shakib al hasan, when he returned to Bangladesh after poor World Cup campaign
pic.twitter.com/C7DQK93gAk

— Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) November 21, 2023