Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has cleared the air on the recent “match-fixing” allegations after rumours of the termination of his contract during the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Malik, who contracted with Fortune Barishal in the BPL was reported to have lost his contract after bowling three no balls in the encounter against Khulna Tigers. On Friday (Jan 26), Malik decided to clear the air on the issue and released a statement online.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!“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,” wrote Malik on his X handle.
Malik had left Bangladesh after the match against the Khulna Tigers and was spotted in Dubai. It was reported by a few media outlets in Bangladesh that Malik’s contract was terminated for match-fixing.
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However, the 41-year-old defended his side of things for leaving Bangladesh and stated it was a pre-planned trip to Dubai and had nothing to do with his contract at Fortune Barishal.
“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,” the statement further added.
The incident was also addressed by Malik’s franchise Fortune Barishal with owner Mizanur Rahman rubbishing such rumours. He released a statement on the incident and showed full support to his 41-year-old star player.
“I deeply regret the rumor regarding Shoaib Malik. He is a great player. He gave us his best. So we should not make a ruckus about it,” Mizanur Rahman said in a video message.
While there is no timeline on Malik’s return to the team, the franchise without their star performer will be hoping to turn their fortunes having lost two matches in their opening three contests.
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