Shakib Al Hasan in trouble for endorsing betting company; BCB to investigate social media post

Shakib Al Hasan, the most prominent cricket player in Bangladesh, has stirred up controversy once more as the nation's cricket body prepares to look into an alleged social media post from him praising a sports betting company.

Shakib was previously given a one-year suspension by the ICC in 2019 for allegedly failing to report a fraudulent approach from an Indian bookmaker. It is against the law to facilitate and promote any gambling-related activity in Bangladesh, according to the country's current legislation.

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According to a report in Cricbuzz, "BCB will investigate a recent social-media post from the all-rounder announcing his partnership with a company called "Betwinner News". 

BCB president Nazmul Hassan has announced that Shakib, a veteran of nearly 400 international games with 12,000 plus runs and nearly 650 wickets, will be served a show-cause notice. 

"There are two things. Firstly there is no chance of taking permission because we won't give permission. If there is anything related to betting, we won't give any permission," Nazmul was quoted as saying by the website.

"That means he did not ask any permission from us. Second, we have to know whether he had really signed a deal or not." 

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BCB had a meeting on Thursday where the decision was taken regarding investigating his social media post. "In the meeting, the issue was raised and we said how can it happen, because it is impossible. If that happens ask him immediately. Serve him notice and ask him how it happened because the board will not allow it. If it is related with betting we won't allow that. We have said that today," Nazmul added. 

Nazmul promised to carry out a proper probe since it concerns the country's law. "First, we have to know what he has done. This (betting-related activities) is not only in cricket but in this country, it is prohibited, and the law does not permit it. This is a serious issue. We cannot depend on Facebook postings or things like that. We have to investigate it. If it is true, then the board will take necessary steps," he concluded.

(With inputs from PTI)

• Bangladesh
• Shakib Al Hasan
• BCB
• Cricket
• Betting