Pak cricketer Malik was never offered a contract, says Hampshire County

Karachi, May 6 (ANI): Rejecting Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik's claims of being offered a contract for the current season, Hampshire County officials said no such offer had been made.

Hampshire County's clarification came just three days after the former captain said he had refused various county offers, including ones from Hampshire and Essex, in order to make himself available for national selection, reports The Express Tribune.

Malik said he refused to sign the deal because of a strict clause in the contract. The teams sought assurance that he would be forced to play for them, even if he was selected for Pakistan, he said, adding that he had no option but to turn them down, as making a return to the national side was his priority.

While Hampshire confirmed to The Express Tribune that no such offer was made to Malik; Essex, when contacted, was surprised at Malik's description of the contract 'offered'.

"No county is permitted to include such a clause," said an Essex County Cricket Club spokesperson. "An NOC would not be granted if it were included," he added.

Malik last represented Pakistan in a Twenty20 match against England on February 27. (ANI)