Shakib controversy in Tigers’ WC jersey unveiling

On what should have been an auspicious occasion of unveiling Bangladesh's World Cup jersey, Shakib Al Hasan added a bit of controversy by being the sole member not in the official team picture, despite being at the venue less than an hour ago.

The ace all-rounder had just returned from his stint in the Indian Premier League on Sunday and he went to spend time with the team the following morning while the rest of the players were busy with their last day of practice ahead of leaving for Ireland on May 1. The jersey unveiling was announced to the media on Sunday, which means the players would also have known well beforehand.

Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortaza alongside BCB president Nazmul Hassan during Tigers' World Cup jersey unveiling in Mirpur. Photo: Firoz Ahmed.

"It is unfortunate. What else can I say? It was a team photo," said Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan after the photo session, where most BCB high-ups were also present. "I called him and asked him where he was and he told me that he had gone home and that he would visit me later tonight.

"All the players were told to be at the photo session. I hoped he would be here, but he is not. I think it is unfortunate for him also. Since the team is leaving day after tomorrow, I don't want to say much about it."