Shoaib Malik, the Pakistani cricketer, has dismissed accusations of match-fixing and clarified his choice to leave the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) team Fortune Barishal. Contrary to reports suggesting termination of his contract, Malik asserted that he mutually discussed the decision to part ways with the team’s captain, Tamim Iqbal.
Media reports on Friday suggested that suspicions of match-fixing led to the termination of Shoaib Malik’s contract with Fortune Barishal. These suspicions arose after he bowled three no-balls in a match against Khulna Tigers on January 22. Notably, Malik participated in another game for Fortune Barishal before the conclusion of the Dhaka leg of BPL 2024.
Shoaib Malik Refutes Match-fixing Allegations
Last week, Shoaib Malik, the prominent all-rounder from Pakistan, stirred up controversy during a Bangladesh Premier League match against Khulna Tigers. He faced scrutiny after bowling three no balls in a single over at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Dhaka.
This incident quickly spread across social media, with some fans even hinting at possible match-fixing. Mizanur Rahman, the owner of Fortune Barishal, expressed similar concerns and called for an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Unit during a private news channel interview.
Mizanur emphasized the need for an inquiry into Shoaib’s three no balls, stating, “It should be done. If an ACU investigation happens, it would be beneficial. Three no balls in one over by an off-spinner seems quite unusual to me, and it cost us the match.”
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Shoaib Malik Clarifies Departure from Fortune Barishal
Malik left the team due to personal reasons and went to Dubai after the game. On Friday, reports surfaced that the team had terminated his contract. Soon after, Malik addressed fixing allegations in a detailed statement on his social media.
He clarified that he had discussed his departure with the team captain, Tamim Iqbal, prior to leaving for Dubai. Malik dismissed rumors about his commitment to the franchise and explained that he had to leave for a pre-scheduled media engagement in Dubai.
Malik stated, “I want to clear up recent rumors about my position with Fortune Barishal. Tamim Iqbal and I had a thorough discussion, planning my departure. I had a prior commitment for a media engagement in Dubai.”
He extended his best wishes to Fortune Barishal for their upcoming matches and offered his support if needed. Malik expressed his ongoing joy for the game and assured his availability if required.
Malik also encouraged fans to verify information. He shared a video statement from Fortune Barishal’s team owner, who affirmed Malik’s dedication, stating that he played his best, dispelling any misconceptions about his commitment to the team.
Shoaib Malik’s Recent News
Shoaib Malik has recently made headlines due to his split from Indian tennis legend Sania Mirza. The Pakistani cricketer revealed his union with actress Sana Javed just last week.
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Shoaib Malik Refutes Match-fixing Allegations FAQs
Q.1. Why did Shoaib Malik leave Fortune Barishal?
Ans. Shoaib Malik clarified his departure was due to personal reasons and a pre-scheduled media engagement in Dubai, not contract termination.
Q.2. What led to suspicions of match-fixing?
Ans. Speculations arose after Malik bowled three no-balls in a BPL match. The team owner and fans raised concerns, prompting discussions on a possible match-fixing scenario.
Q.3. Was Shoaib Malik’s departure mutually discussed?
Ans. Yes, Malik asserted that he discussed his departure with Fortune Barishal’s captain, Tamim Iqbal, before leaving for Dubai.
Q.4. What did the team owner, Mizanur Rahman, say about the no-balls?
Ans. Mizanur Rahman expressed concerns about the unusual occurrence of three no-balls in one over by an off-spinner and called for an Anti-Corruption Unit investigation.
Q.5. What support did Shoaib Malik offer to Fortune Barishal?
Ans. Malik extended his best wishes to the team for future matches and assured his availability if needed, dispelling rumors about his commitment to the franchise.
