How Shakib’s ‘powerplay’ blitz backfired

Shakib Al Hasan's current situation is far from what many would have expected for a man of his stature. 

 Unarguably the greatest sportsperson that Bangladesh has ever produced, Shakib now finds himself unable to come to his own country to take part in the first Test against South Africa, which could have been his swansong in the white uniform. 

 This comes in the aftermath of the ousting of Sheikh Hasina's government, with which Shakib was aligned and where he was elected as a Member of Parliament during its last term. He is now also facing charges of murder.

 Ultimately, it all boils down to one word: power. 

As a cricketer, Shakib was accustomed to a different kind of "power," particularly the "powerplay" in limited-overs cricket, a phase designed to encourage aggressive batting by imposing fielding restrictions. This tactic creates opportunities for higher scores and strategic gains but, if mishandled, can just as easily lead to a flurry of lost wickets. 

In much the same way, Shakib's ambitions beyond the cricket field—his foray into business and politics—seemed to promise greater success but have instead left him in a precarious position.

To understand how Shakib arrived at this point, we can turn to British philosopher Bertrand Russell's analysis of power. In his seminal work "Power: A New Social Analysis" (1938), Russell argues that power is man's ultimate goal, more fundamental than wealth, which Marx believed was key, or sex, as Freud posited.

 For Russell, power manifests in different forms—political, economic and ideological—and individuals who acquire power in one domain often seek to extend it into others. 

As one of the most celebrated cricketers in history, Shakib's fame granted him significant influence in Bangladesh. However, it wasn't enough for Shakib. As Russell astutely observes, "One of the chief emotional differences between man and other animals is that some human desires, unlike those of animals, are essentially boundless and incapable of complete satisfaction."

Shakib's journey from cricket to business and eventually politics reflects this exact trajectory, where the pursuit of power becomes a natural extension of his ambitions. 

 As one of the most celebrated cricketers in history, Shakib's fame granted him significant influence in Bangladesh, a country where cricket holds a central place in the national psyche.

 However, it wasn't enough for Shakib. 

As Russell astutely observes, "Between man and other animals there are various differences, some intellectual, some emotional. One of the chief emotional differences is that some human desires, unlike those of animals, are essentially boundless and incapable of complete satisfaction."

 Power is one of those desires that drives human beings to extremes. 

 So, Shakib sought to leverage his fame and influence in other areas, firstly through his ventures as a brand ambassador. 

 Aligning himself with various brands not only expanded his visibility but also enhanced his marketability. These collaborations positioned him as a key influencer in consumer culture, allowing him to connect with fans on a different level. 

 His endorsements for leading products and services served as stepping stones toward his larger ambition of power, as they provided him with significant social capital and a platform from which to launch his business pursuits.

Importantly, these brand partnerships also facilitated corporate connections, enabling him to network with influential figures in the business world. Such connections were invaluable for Shakib, as they provided access to resources and insights that would prove beneficial in his later ventures.

 Following this, Shakib's growing economic clout seemed to confirm Russell's idea that power in one sphere often spills over into others.

 His business ventures, ranging from opening a restaurant and founding Monarch Holdings to his investments in gold trading and his collaboration with a footwear brand, showcased his entrepreneurial skills. But they also revealed a keen understanding of how economic influence can enhance personal power. 

Shakib's business activities, much akin to his on- and off-field persona as a cricketer, were not without controversy. His stock market dealings led to allegations of price manipulation, and his crab farming venture faced accusations of unpaid debts to suppliers. 

He was further linked to questionable figures, including match-fixers and individuals accused of criminal activities. 

These controversies underscored the murky side of Shakib's growing power and raised ethical questions about his methods. Nonetheless, his economic ventures continued to thrive, providing him with financial security and increased social capital.

Given such immense success in both cricket and business, the question arises: Why did Shakib feel the need to enter politics so early? For someone who had achieved so much, stepping into the political arena might seem unnecessary, especially while still actively playing international cricket. 

 Yet, according to Russell's theory, the desire to accumulate power is an inherent part of human ambition. Shakib had already mastered the sports world and was establishing himself in business but his influence was still confined to these secondary areas of power. 

Politics finally offered Shakib the chance to expand his reach further and enjoy power in its truest form.

In a country like Bangladesh, where the lines between politics and business often blur, holding political office could not only shield his interests from bureaucratic hurdles but also provide regulatory support for his ventures.

He became an enabler of the fascist regime of Hasina's government, which in return enabled him to leverage his social capital for political gain while securing essential access to resources and policy-making processes. This connection provided him with a unique advantage in influencing regulations that could benefit his businesses, ultimately enhancing his control over key areas of governance. 

Shakib's political aspirations were thus a strategic move to strengthen his economic foothold in a challenging environment.

Yet, from what we are witnessing right now, Shakib's political ambitions came at a cost. His alignment with Sheikh Hasina's government has become a liability for him after the regime's downfall. Such political miscalculations illustrate one of Russell's key insights: Those who seek power often become consumed by it, leading to destructive consequences.

Russell's metaphor is apt here: "Men who allow their love of power to give them a distorted view of the world are to be found in every asylum: one man will think he is the Governor of the Bank of England, another will think he is the King, and yet another will think he is God." 

Shakib began to think just like that. He thought he was bigger than Bangladesh, the very country he represented. He started to believe he was untouchable and could do whatever he wanted. Accountability seemed absent from his lexicon, and he dared to make a mockery of his fellow countrymen during their most challenging period in recent memory.

The result has been disastrous. What began as a move to extend his power ultimately backfired, trapping him in a political quagmire that he could no longer control. 

In a recent video posted by the Global T20 team Bangla Tigers, Shakib was heard saying, "My life, my rules, my style, my attitude. Love me or hate me, I don't care. But don't play with me."

 Ironically, though, no one is playing with him. It's he who played with fire in the guise of power. And right now, he has no one to blame but himself.