New statement from Bangla Tigers CEO and owner Zaffir Yasin reveals what really transpired behind the scenes with Shakib Al Hasan and the Global T20 Canada officials.
The Global T20 (GT20) Canada playoffs descended into chaos recently, casting a shadow over the tournament and unfairly implicating Shakib Al Hasan, captain of the Bangla Tigers Mississauga. The unfolding events, now scrutinized closely, reveal a troubling tale of mismanagement and hasty decisions by tournament officials rather than any fault of Shakib’s.
On what should have been a day of high-stakes cricket, the GT20 Canada playoffs faced severe disruptions due to unrelenting rain. The match between Bangla Tigers Mississauga and Toronto Nationals was marred by extreme weather conditions, turning the field into a waterlogged mess.
Despite this, the tournament organizers pressed for the match to proceed, even considering a super over to determine the outcome.
ALSO READ: Shakib Al Hasan refused to walk out for Super Over toss in Global T20 Canada
Shakib Al Hasan, one of cricket’s most respected figures, expressed serious concerns about the safety of the players. According to Zaffir Yasin, the owner of the Bangla Tigers, Shakib’s apprehensions were based on the unplayable conditions of the ground. As reported by Cricket.com, “Shakib’s primary concern was the safety of his players, given the puddles that had formed on the outfield and the unfit pitch.”
In a surprising turn, the tournament officials made an unorthodox decision to shrink the boundary lines in an effort to avoid the puddles, further complicating matters. They also issued last-minute changes to the rules via WhatsApp, a move that added to the confusion and uncertainty surrounding the match.
“Shakib, being the experienced leader that he is, tried to reason with the umpires and organizers, advocating for a five-over match, which is in line with ICC regulations,” said Yasin. However, this plea fell on deaf ears as the organizers insisted on a super over to resolve the match.
The situation spiraled further out of control when, despite an agreement to postpone the match until conditions improved, the Toronto Nationals refused to honor the deal the next day. This led to the disqualification of the Bangla Tigers, sparking outrage among fans and cricketing circles.
Cricket.com’s detailed report highlighted the disarray within the tournament’s organization, noting that the chaotic decisions were not aligned with the standard practices expected at an international level.
Yasin condemned the organizers, saying, “This entire episode was a clear case of mismanagement. Shakib did everything within his capacity to ensure the game was played fairly and safely.”
In the aftermath, the Bangla Tigers have demanded financial compensation, citing the substantial investment and effort put into the tournament.
COMEDY HAS GONE TOO FAR NOW!!! 🤣
Just when Bangla Tigers vs Toronto Nationals match was about to start again as announced few hours ago, GT20 Canada just posted once again now that Toronto have qualified and Bangla Tigers are OUT. 😳
Global T20 Canada, please stop this league… pic.twitter.com/W5JSwLyEK2
— Saif Ahmed (@saifahmed75) August 10, 2024
COMEDY HAS GONE TOO FAR NOW!!! 🤣
Just when Bangla Tigers vs Toronto Nationals match was about to start again as announced few hours ago, GT20 Canada just posted once again now that Toronto have qualified and Bangla Tigers are OUT. 😳
Global T20 Canada, please stop this league… pic.twitter.com/W5JSwLyEK2
— Saif Ahmed (@saifahmed75) August 10, 2024
The real story behind the GT20 Canada playoffs scandal absolves Shakib Al Hasan of any wrongdoing. The seasoned cricketer found himself in an impossible situation due to the tournament’s poor management. Shakib’s actions, far from being detrimental, were in fact a desperate attempt to protect his own players.
