Fortune Barishal has officially announced the termination of Shoaib Malik’s contract for the remainder of this season’s Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). The Barishal-based franchise stated, “Shoaib Malik won’t take further part in this season’s BPL.” The sudden decision to end the contract of the former Pakistan captain in the Bangladesh league is attributed to two primary factors, as reported by Bangladeshi media sources: disciplinary issues and concerns regarding the no-balls that he bowled during the match against the Khulna Tigers.
The Controversial No-Ball Over in the Bangladesh Premier League Against Khulna Tigers
In a T20 encounter with Khulna Tigers, Shoaib Malik’s delivery of three consecutive no-balls attracted attention, particularly in a format where such errors result in free hits. Social media was abuzz with screenshots highlighting his significant overstepping. The over proved costly for Barishal, resulting in an additional 18 runs and contributing to their eventual loss. Expressing dissatisfaction with the situation, the team management, led by Captain Tamim Iqbal, chose not to allocate another over to Malik during that match. Mizanur Rahman, the franchise owner, even went as far as demanding an inquiry into Malik’s delivery of the controversial no-balls.
In response to the circulating reports, the Pakistani cricketer dismissed the rumors as baseless and expressed unwavering support for the team. In an official statement, he emphasized the need for caution when dealing with rumors, particularly those in circulation recently. He explicitly refuted the unfounded rumors and urged everyone to verify information before believing and spreading it.
Highlighting the potential harm of falsehoods on reputations and the creation of unnecessary confusion, he called for a commitment to accuracy and reliance on credible sources for a clear understanding of the facts. He thanked everyone for their understanding and diligence.
“My best wishes go out to Fortune Barishal for their upcoming matches. If required, I am here to provide support.”
Malik Faces Disciplinary Action in BPL Season
The final blow to Malik’s participation in the current BPL season occurred when he communicated to the franchise that he wouldn’t be able to rejoin the team until the first week of February. Malik, who featured in just three matches during this edition’s BPL, sought leave to spend time with his recently married wife, Sana Javed.
Despite assuring his return before the Sylhet leg, he only confirmed his availability after February 3. This decision didn’t sit well with franchise officials, considering his contract expiration on February 10. His extended absence posed a significant setback for the team.
It’s worth noting that Malik, a veteran of 528 T20s, entered his third marriage following a divorce from former Indian tennis player Sania Mirza.
Shoaib Malik broke his silence on the match-fixing insinuations following his three no balls in an over during a BPL match. Pakistan’s star all-rounder Shoaib Malik was caught in a controversy last week when he bowled three no balls in an over during a Bangladesh Premier League match against Khulna Tigers. The incident, which took place at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Dhaka, went viral on social media platforms, with some fans also insinuating a potential match-fixing. A similar concern was also raised by Fortune Barishal’s team owner, Mizanur Rahman, who urged for an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Unit during a chat on a private news channel.
“It (ACU investigating Shoaib’s three no balls) should be done,” Mizanur told Channel 24, as quoted by Cricbuzz. “If it is done (ACU investigation) it would be good because three no balls in one over bowled by an off-spinner is looking really absurd to me and we lost the match there,” he said.
Malik had left the franchise for personal reasons and travelled to Dubai soon after the game, and on Friday, it was reported that the franchise had terminated his contract. However, hours after the news, Malik posted a statement on his official social media handles addressing the fixing allegations in detail. Malik stated that he had a “thorough discussion” with the team captain, Tamim Iqbal, before leaving the franchise for Dubai and dismissed the “rumours” over his commitment to the franchise.
“I would like to address and dismiss the recent rumours circulating about my playing position with Fortune Barishal. I had a thorough discussion with our captain, Tamim Iqbal, and we mutually planned the way forward. I had to leave Bangladesh for a pre-committed media engagement in Dubai,” Malik wrote.
“I extend my best wishes to Fortune Barishal for their upcoming matches, and if needed, I am available to support them if needs be. I have always found joy in playing the game and will continue to do so.”
Malik also urged the fans to “verify information” and posted a video statement from Fortune Barishal’s team owner, who stated that Malik played his “level best” and there should be no misconception about his commitment to the side.
“I want to emphasize the importance of exercising caution when it comes to rumors, especially those circulating recently. I want to make it clear that I strongly refute these baseless rumors.
“It’s crucial for everyone to verify information before believing and spreading it. Falsehoods can harm reputations and create unnecessary confusion. Let’s prioritize accuracy and rely on credible sources to ensure a clear understanding of the facts. Thank you for your understanding and diligence.”
Malik has also been in the news recently for his separation with India’s tennis great, Sania Mirza. The Pakistan cricketer had announced his marriage with actress Sana Javed earlier this week.
