UPDATE: Shoaib Malik clears the air, refutes cheating claims
“Official statement ; 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,” said Malik on his social media handles, as Fortune Barishal retracted their fixing accusations cast on the Pakistani all-rounder.
The last thing you want to learn about in the gentleman’s game of cricket is that there’s cheating or fixing involved. Whatever level of the game, it should be played with integrity and the various cricketing boards across the world understand that as well. Most recently, we’ve heard reports of Pakistan’s Shoaib Malik being suspended from the Bangladesh Premier League because of suspected match fixing.
The case in question was from a couple of matches ago where Malik bowled 3 no balls in a single over, where he ended up conceding a total of 18 runs as well. Now for those who know cricket well, you’d know that the chances of three no balls in a single over are very low, and almost impossible when it’s a spinner at the crease. Malik, an off-spinner, has very low chances of bowling so many illegitimate deliveries in a single over.
Shoaib Malik match fixing?!
In the next game too, there were many chances in the field which weren’t taken by the Fortune Barishal side. We saw them giving away a winning match while defending a total against Comilla Victorians. In this game also, Malik only managed 7(6) and wasn’t called upon with the ball after his 0/18 in a single over in the previous match against Khulna Tigers.
Shoaib Malik’s BPL contract has been terminated over suspicion ‘match fixing’ case after his 3 No Balls.pic.twitter.com/8wdYKCZhEl
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 26, 2024
The match in question saw the Tigers chasing down 188 with the loss of only 2 wickets, and with 2 full overs to spare. Malik’s over sparked a lot of controversy immediately, as Pakistan and no balls have an old relation. More than a decade back, Mohammad Amir along with Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif were jailed for different terms after they were found guilt of match fixing against England; this included Amir’s multiple no balls.
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The news comes in a few days after Malik announced his marriage with Pakistani actress Sana Javed, and for obvious reasons, he’s being trolled on social media now. The jokes around him wanting to cheat in games to fund his second marriage are going viral. Malik has played a career without much controversy and it’s unfortunate that he’s involved in this at the age of 41 years now!
After this inquiry into Malik’s single over, the entire team will also likely be investigated because quite a few unlikely outcomes took place in the next match against Comilla too. They slid to defeat from a winning position and we witnessed forceful wides from a couple of bowlers, as well as some dropped chances in the field.
So, is there more to this story than meets the eye?! Get into the comments section and let us know what you think. And for more updates from the 2024 Bangladesh Premier League, remember to always stay tuned to ReadScoops.com!
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