Former Pakistan cricket team captain Shoaib Malik is set to make his return to the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). After abruptly leaving amid rumours of match-fixing, Malik is expected to rejoin his franchise, Fortune Barishal, on February 2, as per a ESPN Cricinfo report. He will be available for the team's final game of the Sylhet leg against Khulna Tigers on February 3. Fortune Barishal secured their second win of the season during Shoaib Malik's absence. The team is scheduled to face league table-toppers Khulna Tigers in their next match.
Earlier, media reports had suggested that Shoaib Malik was under scrutiny for match-fixing after bowling three no-balls in a single over during the match against Khulna Tigers. Shoaib Malik's withdrawal from the tournament added to the speculations and raised further questions, contributing to the ongoing discussions and rumours surrounding the cricketer's departure. However, Malik officially refuted these rumours with a post on social media, denying any involvement in match-fixing.
"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," Malik had posted on X.
Shoaib Malik’s Dismal Run In BPL
The former Pakistan captain, Shoaib Malik, has had a poor performance in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2024, scoring only 29 runs in three innings for the team led by Tamim Iqbal. Malik notably conceded 18 runs in an over against Khulna Tigers as Fortune Barishal failed to defend a target of 187 runs.
Before the match-fixing controversy, Shoaib Malik garnered attention for marrying Pakistani actress Sana Javed. This development surprised fans as Malik was previously married to Indian tennis star Sania Mirza. Later, Sania Mirza confirmed that she and Shoaib Malik had been divorced for a few months prior to Malik's marriage to Sana Javed.