Shoaib Malik, Razzaq deny 'sent home over disciplinary issue' suggestions

Pakistani all-rounders Shoaib Malik and Abdul Razzaq have denied suggestions that they were being sent home from Pakistan's ongoing tour of South Africa because of a disciplinary issue.

The duo were declared unfit on November 19 and were sent back home on the next available flight, following which there was talk of a breach of the code of conduct.

However, the Daily Times reports that Malik denied the suggestions, and insisted that both he and Razzaq were sent back from the South Africa tour because of fitness reasons, adding that talk of a rift had emerged as their team was losing, which is common in such situations.

The report mentioned that Malik retired hurt after being struck on the finger by a rising delivery from Wayne Parnell in the second Twenty20 international in Dubai, although he returned to be dismissed for 15, and the player said that it is not possible for a cricketer to express himself just after two matches and especially when he is injured.

Agreeing with Malik, Razzaq, who had pulled his hamstring in South Africa and had been out of favour with the Pakistan set-up since the 2012 World Twenty20 following an outburst, also insisted that they have returned because of fitness issues, adding that he was sent back as he needed to rest for ten days.