Shoaib Malik, the experienced cricketer, is set to rejoin the Fortune Barishal squad in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) on February 2, following his abrupt departure from the team last week. The Pakistani all-rounder will be available for the team’s upcoming match against Khulna Tigers on February 3, marking the last game of the Sylhet leg.
Initially, the reasons for Malik’s sudden departure were unclear. However, he took to Twitter to address the situation, stating, “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.”
In the three matches Malik played for Barishal before his departure, he batted at No. 6, scoring 7, 5, and 17. He also bowled one over in each of the first two games but did not get a chance to bowl in the third.
During the second game against Khulna Tigers in Mirpur, Malik faced criticism on social media. Bowling the fourth over of the innings, he overstepped three times and conceded 18 runs, contributing to Fortune Barishal’s inability to defend a total of 187.
Malik’s performance in that over made him the only spinner to overstep three times in an over in men’s T20s, as per available data from ESPNcricinfo. The only instance of more front-foot no-balls in an over in men’s T20s was recorded by Miguel Cummins, who overstepped five times in a CPL 2014 match.
Fortune Barishal currently holds the fifth position on the points table with two wins from five games. Malik’s return will be eagerly awaited by the team as they aim to improve their standing in the tournament.
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By- Sahiba Suri