Shoaib Malik has shot down rumours that he was dismissed from Bangladesh Premier League team Fortune Barishal over “match fixing suspicions”.

In a statement on his social media accounts, Malik dismissed the circulating news reports, calling them “baseless rumours”.

For context, reports started to swirl around social media this week, claiming that Malik’s contract with Barishal had been terminated by the management over suspicion of match fixing during the ongoing BPL. The reports were linked with Malik bowling three no-balls in an over during their match against Khulna Tigers, with an image of him bowling a big front-foot no-ball going viral.

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

Malik, who linked up with the BPL team after his recent wedding to actor Sana Javed, played the following game against Comilla Victorians. They play Chattogram Chargers next on January 27.

However, rumours began to circulate that Malik had been removed from the Barishal group, which he refuted via his public clarification, stating that the absence was due to a media commitment in Dubai, and he had already spoken to the team captain.

#BPL Fortune Barishal has terminated the contract of Shoaib Malik in suspicion of match fixing after he bowled three no-ball’s in an over during a match in ongoing Bangladesh Premier league. Malik has already left the competition citing a personal reason and will no longer take… pic.twitter.com/dDHbXFtdrL

— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) January 26, 2024

The statement read:

“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.

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… pic.twitter.com/kmPqPt1nxv

— Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) January 26, 2024

“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.”

Malik’s post was also accompanied by a video from Fortune Barishal’s team owner, who confirmed he had “not given information to any news channel”.