The 41-year-old has departed just three games into his stint, the second of which against Khulna Tigers was heavily scrutinised after he delivered three front-foot no balls during the eight-wicket defeat
Shoaib Malik has moved to clarify the reasons behind the early departure from his Bangladesh Premier League spell with Fortune Barishal.
Originally due to remain until February 14, covering nine of the 12 group matches, he has departed for Dubai after only three.
Barishal owner Mizanur Rahman said the Pakistan international, who has represented his country 446 times across formats, offered to return from February 6 for their remaining matches in Sylhet but was declined.
In a message via X (formerly known as Twitter), Malik explained: "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.
Fortune Barishal celebrate their title success in 2022 (MUNIR UZ ZAMAN/AFP via Getty Images)
"I extend my best wishes to Fortune Barishal for their upcoming matches, and if needed, I am available to support them if needs be."
The contradictory remarks come after Mizanur was quoted asking for the Anti-Corruption Unit to look into Malik's bowling performance during the seven-wicket defeat to Khulna Tigers.
The right-arm offspinner bowled a nine-ball fourth over which cost 18 and included three no balls for overstepping.
"It should be done," Mizanur told Channel 24 when unverified reports that the Bangladesh Cricket Board's ACU were looking into the incident.
Malik has played over 400 times for Pakistan across formats but has not appeared since 2021 (Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
But on Friday (January 26) he changed tone in a video via the team's Facebook page. "We have heard many things about Shoaib Malik in the past few days and I protest those rumours," he said. "Shoaib Malik is a good player and he has given his best for the team. So we don't want to discuss the issue anymore."
Forty-one-year-old Malik appeared to address the speculation on X, saying: "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."
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