Shakib's handling and politics is hurting Bangladesh cricket

The trigger-happy reign continues at the top of Bangladesh cricket. Shakib Al Hasan, the captain, and Tamim Iqbal, his deputy, have been dismissed by the board following a poor tour of Zimbabwe.

Shakib and Iqbal have been accused of poor leadership, indiscipline and arrogance; of dining separately from the team and demanding business class tickets; of arguing with the coach and selectors.

To the chagrin of officials, though, Stuart Law, the coach, has brushed aside these allegations. "What you guys have been told, and what is being reported, is far from the truth about what's going on inside the dressing room," the Australian said. "From what I've seen, they are a very disciplined bunch of boys. They enjoy a good time and they're allowed to."

The dismissals could further harm the progress of a young cricketing nation. Shakib is the team's only world-class cricketer. As captain, he boasts a series win over the West Indies, and a whitewash of New Zealand. In the word of Jamie Siddons, the former coach: "He [Shakib] is the only person to lead the side. He is a great thinker, and is also the team's best and most respected player."

Unfortunately for Bangladesh cricket, the board officials think otherwise. They seem to live under illusions of grandiose, and took the decision without consulting the coach.

Law is clearly not happy. One hopes this episode will not hurt the immediate future of Bangladesh cricket. But with a game of musical chairs around the team captaincy almost certain to follow, things do not look promising.

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