Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik has taken to social media to clarify the recent rumours regarding his reported involvement in a match-fixing scandal in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), stating that he left Bangladesh due to a "pre-committed media engagement in Dubai".
Malik was a part of the Fortune Barishal team in the BPL and had played three games so far.
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In the game against Khulna Tigers on January 22, Malik bowled three no-balls in a single over, which raised a lot of eyebrows.
A domino effect ensued after team owner Minazur Rehman was quoted on a private TV channel asking the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) to investigate Malik's potential involvement in match-fixing.
"It (ACU investigating Shoaib's three no balls) should be done," Mizanur told Channel 24. "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
Then, Fortune Barishal officially announced that Malik would not be taking any further part in this season's BPL, although he was supposed to play for the team till February 14.
MORE: Is Shoaib Malik being investigated for match fixing?
Shoaib Malik issues big clarification on social media
The 41-year-old took to X.com (formerly Twitter) to rubbish the reports about his involvement in match-fixing, stating that he left BPL midway as he had to cater to other commitments.
I would like to address and dismiss the recent rumors 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. 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. 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. Thank you for your love & support as always.
Official statement ;
— Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) January 26, 2024
I would like to address and dismiss the recent rumors 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… pic.twitter.com/kmPqPt1nxv
Fortune Barishal owner defends Shoaib Malik
While Malik indeed defended himself and provided a just clarification, Fortune Barishal owner Minazur Rahman doubled down on Malik's words and cleared the misunderstandings.
"Last few days we are hearing a lot about Shoaib Malik. I deeply protest against it and he is a good player and he had given his best for our team and so we don't want to discuss about it any further," Minazur said in a Facebook video posted on Friday (January 25)."
Mizanur also denied rumors that Malik's contract had been annulled by the team due to accusations of rigging. He disclosed that Malik had indeed traveled to the United Arab Emirates following the team's most recent game, but that the team had turned down his request for an extension of his leave, and Ahmed Shehzad had taken his place.
Shoaib Malik was expected to stay with us till February 14 and after the last match he went to Dubai and later asked me whether he can come [back] on February 6, but our main games are after that [14th] so it won't help if he comes on 6th and so I said 'we don't need you'.
But it had got nothing to do with all the things that is coming up in media like we terminated his contract due to match-fixing allegations.
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