Controversy arose, when the former Pakistan captain bowled 3 consecutive no-balls during a Bangladesh Premier League match against the Khulna Tigers while representing Fortune Barishal. Onlookers started to suspect match-fixing
Initial Allegations and Retraction
Fuel was added to suspicion when Fortune Barishal team owner, Mizanur Rahman urged on a live TV channel that the Anti Corruption Unit should investigate the three no-balls.
“If it is done (ACU investigation) it would be good because three no balls in one over bowled by an off-spinner is looking absurd to me and we lost the match there,” he said. Further, Mizanur was informed that an investigation was already being done by the PCB’s ACU
However, Mizanur would retract his statement on Friday. “Last few days we have heard a lot about Shoaib Malik. I deeply protest against it and he is a good player and he has given his best for our team so we don’t want to discuss it any further,” he said.
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PCB’s 2010 investigation against Shoaib Malik
Interestingly, this is not the first time Malik has found himself with allegations of match-fixing, as the ex-skipper had previously been investigated by his board back in 2010.
Malik had been under the scrutiny of PCB’s integrity committee about deposits that were made in his foreign bank account. He was directed to provide supporting documents for the source of the deposits.
The investigation had led to Malik not being named in the World Cup 2011 probable squad of 30. The investigation would go on till August 2011 when Malik provided supporting documents and was finally cleared by PCB of any wrongdoing.
Shoaib Malik’s response
Shoaib Malik leaving the tournament midway further added to the controversy. Still, it has been revealed that Malik had gone to the UAE after taking a leave for which he asked for an extension from his franchise which was denied with Malik being replaced with Ahmed Shehzad.
Malik responded that he had pre-committed media engagements in Dubai
“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 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,” said Malik in his statement.
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