Claims about Shoaib Malik's match-fixing 'baseless': Fortune Barishal

Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Fortune Barishal refuted the reports claiming that Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik engaged in match-fixing during the tournament. 

Reports emerged early morning today that Fortune Barishal terminated Malik's contract over suspicion of match-fixing.

The 41-year-old cricketer played three matches for the franchise in the BPL 2024 in the Mirpur leg of the tournament.

The spokesperson of Fortune Barishal said that the reports about Malik's match-fixing in the BPL tournament were "baseless". 

On the other hand, the owner of the team, Mizanur Rehman, said that Shoaib Malik is a good cricketer, adding that the Pakistani player performed very well for his team. 

Rehman confirmed in a video message that Malik left BPL due to personal reasons.

"This is wrong and completely misconception. I have not given any information to the news channel or anyone else. [...] We do not have any complaint against Shoaib Malik, don't try to make bid fuss out of this," he said. 

The suspicions arose when Malik bowled three no-balls in the same over against Khulna Riders. The all-rounder overstepped on three occasions and scored just five runs off six balls with the bat during that game.

The match was played on January 22. 

Separately, Malik also addressed the rumours on his X, formerly Twitter, account. He said that he "strongly refutes" the baseless rumours about match-fixing.

"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."

Extending his best wishes to the franchise for their upcoming matches, the cricketer said that he would be available to support the team in the future. 

Malik also emphasised the importance of exercising caution when it comes to rumours. "I want to make it clear that I strongly refute these baseless rumours. It's crucial for everyone to verify information before believing and spreading it," he wrote on X.

"Falsehoods can harm reputations and create unnecessary confusion. Let's prioritise accuracy and rely on credible sources to ensure a clear understanding of the facts. Thank you for your understanding and diligence," the Pakistani player wrote.