Former Pakistan Captain Shoaib Malik is all set to join BPL franchise Barishal Fortune on February 2 after retiring from the competition a few days ago. He will be available for the team’s final match in the Sylhet match, against Khulna Tigers on February 3, according to ESPNCricinfo.
He left the BPL abruptly after playing just three games under Barishal owner Mizanur Rahman, who said Malik’s contract was until February 14. Malik has hit six in the previous six games he played for the franchise.
“He left after the third game and told me that he wants to return on February 6. [next] Three games in Sylhet, so I told him it wouldn’t work for us. I think he went to meet his family in Dubai,” Mizanur said in that chat.
The reason Malik left the tournament midway through the tournament was unclear. He tweeted saying that he had a thorough conversation with Barsiahal captain Tamim Iqbal about his future course of action.
“I would like to address and dismiss the recent rumors circulating regarding my position as a player in Fortune Barishal. I had a thorough conversation with our captain, Tamim Iqbal, and we mutually planned the way forward. I had to leave Bangladesh for a previously committed media engagement in Dubai.” Malik tweeted.
Shoaib Malik accused of match-fixing in BPL 2024
Malik had three poor outings with the bat in which he scored 7, 5* and 17* respectively. He was also scrutinized for bowling three no-balls against Khulna Tigers in one of their league matches in the ongoing season. The right-arm bowler had conceded 18 runs in this over when Fortune Barishal lost against Khulna Tigers. A fellow Bangladeshi journalist linked this act by Malik to alleged match-fixing, but the former Pakistan captain denied the claim.
The incident occurred in Mirpur on January 22, where Malik had bowled three no-balls. Fortune Barishal could not defend 187 in that match against the Tigers. Barishal is currently fifth in the points table with two wins in five games.
A Bangladeshi media outlet questioned the team owner about the BCB’s anti-corruption unit and was investigating Malik’s on-field antics.
“They should [do it]. That would be good. For an off-spinner to bowl three no-balls in an over is really absurd. We lost that game there.” said Fortune Barishal owner Mizanur Rahman.
Meanwhile, Shoaib Malik took the internet by storm by announcing his marriage to Sana Javed, a Pakistani actress. The news came in the wake of reports of divorce between Malik and Sania Mirza. The couple was married for almost 12 or 13 years. The two married in 2010 and had a son named Izhaan Mirza Malik, born in 2018.
“Shoaib Malik is a good player. He gave 100% of himself to our team. He made the best of it. We have not complained about him to anyone. Let’s not talk about it and give it a lot of importance. “We have lost two games, so we have to focus on the next games.” said Barisha team owner Mizanur Rahman about the controversy surrounding Malik’s triple no-ball.
Also Read: Vikram Rathour urges Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer to play with intent against England in 2nd Test