Former national skipper Mohammad Ashraful, who was banned from cricket temporarily, said that he felt relieved after he had apologised in public for his involvement in match-fixing.
Ashraful broke the silence to the media hours later after the Bangladesh Cricket Board had banned him for making a confession to the Anti Corruption and Security Unit of the ICC about match-fixing in the Bangladesh Premier League.
The country’s cricketing arena was rocked by the entire saga when the board president, Nazmul Hasan, made public the decision about Ashraful as Tigers had lost one of the most talented cricketers.
For the youngest Test centurion, the whole episode brought back sort of peace in mind that he has eagerly yearned for after missing it since the news about his confession to the ICC investigative officers was leaked to the media.
‘I feel relived,’ Ashraful told New Age on Wednesday. ‘I had a very good sleep last night probably because there was hardly any internal or external pressure,’ he said looking to regain his composure after breaking down in front of the media while giving his reaction.
‘I felt like it had helped me to drain out a a burden,’ Ashraful said adding that he had spoken with some close friends and relatives of his during this time that also included former national skipper Aminul Islam.
‘I was speaking with some friends of mine who have always stood by me,’ Ashraful said.
‘I have also spoken with Bulbul Bhai [Aminul Islam]. But it is not anything unusual as we talk quite often,’ he added.
Ashraful said that he was yet to feel any difference regarding the approach of others. ‘I spent the whole day at home and nobody reacted differently,’ he said.
‘It has been all the same with everyone I have met so far,’ he added.
-With New Age input
