Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik is likely to rejoin his Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) franchise Fortune Barishal later this week. His sudden departure from the ongoing league sparked speculations among his fans and it was also learned that his contract was terminated. In fact, the Bangladesh media Bangladeshi media had reported that the sudden decision to terminate the former Pakistan captain’s contract was primarily due to ‘disciplinary issues’ and ‘concerns over the no-balls that he bowled against the Khulna Tigers’. However, his return has hinted at a positive development for Barishal as they strive to climb the points table.
According to ESPN Cricinfo, Malik will be available for the team’s crucial encounter against the Khulna Tigers on February 3.
Earlier, the cricketer himself took to Twitter to address the rumours and provide clarity on the situation.
Malik stated, “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.”
This revelation sheds light on the fact that Malik’s departure was not due to any internal discord or dissatisfaction but rather a prior commitment that required his presence in Dubai. The communication with team captain Tamim Iqbal indicates strategic planning for Malik’s role in the squad.
In the three matches Malik played for Barishal before his departure, he occupied the No. 6 batting position and contributed with scores of 7, 5*, and 17*. While he bowled one over in each of the first two games, he did not get the chance to bowl in the third.
Fortune Barishal currently finds themselves in the fifth position on the points table with two victories from five games.
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Malik’s No-ball Row
Malik, during the BPL match between Fortune Barishal against Khulna Tigers, bowled three no-balls in the same over and that too inside the powerplay. He also conceded 18 runs as replays showed that Shoaib Malik was well ahead of the crease which caused concern.
Skipper Tamim Iqbal didn’t give another over to Malik and the latter played only as a batter in the next match. Mizanur Rahman, the owner of the franchise, even demanded an inquiry on Malik’s no-balls.
(With Agency Inputs)
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