Shoaib Malik, 40-year-old veteran cricketer of Pakistan cricket team, has given a frank answer to the question of his retirement. He said that even today I am not a burden on anyone. Apart from this, he expressed his desire to play in the T20 World Cup 2022 and said that, if Babar Azam wants, then I will definitely play or else I will be side by side with respect.
Let us tell you that Shoaib Malik had stepped into international cricket in 1999. At present he is the oldest among the active cricketers in the world. He was recently seen playing for Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2021 as well. Apart from this, he also performed brilliantly for his team Peshawar Zalmi in PSL 2022 and became the fourth top scorer of the tournament.
In an interview given to Cricket Pakistan, Shoaib Malik said, ‘Because of my age, no one can prove that I am a burden on anyone. I have performed at a high level. Especially in T20 cricket, I have proved myself with my bat, ball and fielding. I am enjoying my game at the moment. Because at the moment I am using my entire experience in the game.
Regarding his relationship with Babar Azam, he said, ‘We keep talking at regular intervals. I spoke to him during the World Cup on future plans as well. I have an open and frank conversation with Babar Azam. I personally still want to play for my country. Right now I have not made up my mind for the World Cup because I want to retire with honours. But if Babar wants, I will play or else I will be on the side with respect.
Significantly, Shoaib Malik was brought in the T20 World Cup 2021 team as a replacement for Shoaib Maqsood. But in 6 matches he averaged around 50 and batted at a strike rate of 181.81. After this, in the PSL too, he played 11 matches and scored 411 runs at an average of 44.55, including three half-centuries. During this his strike rate was of 137.32.
Shoaib Malik has played 35 Tests, 287 ODIs and 124 T20 matches in his international career spanning more than 22 years. He has 1898 runs and 32 wickets in his name in Tests. Apart from this, he has also taken 158 wickets in ODIs, scoring 7534 runs. His experience in T20 cricket is phenomenal and he has taken 28 wickets scoring 2435 runs. In the first season of IPL too, he played seven matches for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals).