Match-fixing is a disheartening phrase that undermines the integrity and fairness of the sport. Such disgraceful incidents have often been found in domestic franchise T20 leagues, which have not only sabotaged the reputation of the sport but have also betrayed the trust of the fans and fellow cricketers. Cricket is an unpredictable sport that has potential twists and turns during the passage of the play.
However, match-fixing incidents have refuted the thrills and chills of the game, making the fans lose interest in the first place. Case in point, Shoaib Malik came under fire after he was caught doing a suspicious activity during the Bangladesh Premier League match between Fortune Barishal and Khulna Riders. Playing for Fortune Barishal, Shoaib Malik bowled three no-balls in the same over on January 22, which took everyone by surprise.
Fortune Barishal terminated Shoaib Malik’s contract over suspicion of match-fixing
BPL franchise Fortune Barishal who took note of the unexpected incident on the field took a bold step by terminating Shoaib Malik’s contract over suspicion of match-fixing. The franchise’s owner by the name of Mizanur Rahman confirmed that the veteran Pakistan cricketer’s contract was discontinued. The franchise named Ahmed Shehzad as the replacement for Shoaib Malik.
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
Shoaib Malik leaked as many as 18 runs in the over including three no-balls, which triggered speculations of match-fixing. The veteran who operates a right-arm off-break bowler overstepped thrice in the same over, which forced the team owners to terminate the cricketer’s contract. Nevertheless, the match-fixing claims against Shoaib Malik has not been proved so far.
Overall, he has played three games for Fortune Barishal this season but little did he know that his contract would get terminated after his bowling spell, which triggered allegations of match-fixing. Talking about the game, Fortune Barishal scored 187/4 in their designated quota of 20 overs. Shoaib Malik remained not out on 5* off 6 balls in that match. Mushfiqur Rahim top-scored with an unbeaten 68* off 39 balls including 5 fours and 4 sixes.
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In response, Khulna Tigers chased down the target with two overs to spare and won the game by 8 wickets. The franchise benefitted from the services of captain Anamul Haque who scored 63 off 44 balls (3 fours and 3 sixes). Evin Lewis looked good for his blistering 53 off 22 balls including 5 fours and as many sixes.