PAK vs AFG: Shoaib Malik Makes Sensational Claim For A Stake In Pakistan T20 World Cup Squad 2024
Published - 08 Aug 2023, 02:23 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:16 AM
Veteran Pakistan allrounder Shoaib Malik has revealed he still harbors the desire to play for Pakistan. The former captain, however, has made it clear that if he is given a chance to make a comeback, he would only play the T20I format and not the Test and ODI.
Shoaib Malik has not played for Pakistan since November 2021 when he played the Mirpur T20I against Bangladesh. On the other hand, his last Test and ODI appearance came in 2015 and 2019 respectively. And while the 41-year-old has not played any international cricket since 2021, he has been busy plying his trade in franchise tournaments.
He recently played for Mississauga Panthers in Global T20 Canada and was also the captain of the team and is currently playing in the Lanka Premier League. Shoaib Malik has fallen down the pecking order in the Pakistan team and he is well aware of it. The former Pakistan captain, who led the team to the final of the T20 World Cup in 2007, stated that while he is willing to make a comeback, he has no expectations from Babar Azam or the team management.
“When I was dropped from the Pakistan team, my performances and stats were very good. I have retired from Tests and ODI and I have no plans of making a comeback in those formats.
“However, I am ready to return to the T20 team if they call me. But I don’t expect anything from the captain, the selectors, or the PCB. I have zero expectations from anyone. I am fit and will continue as long as I enjoy playing,” Shoaib Malik told Pak TV.
Shoaib Malik on Pakistan’s chances in World Cup:
Speaking further, Shoaib Malik also spoke on Pakistan’s chances of winning the upcoming ICC World Cup. The Men in Green are one of the favorites to win the competitions, scheduled to be played in India in October-November. Pakistan have not won the World Cup since 1992 and have failed to do well in the 50-over tournament in recent editions.
“All the participating teams will be under pressure during the World Cup, and the same goes for Pakistan. However, Pakistan have been playing very well, and a lot of players are in great form currently. My hopes are very high,” he said.
The World Cup will begin on October 5. Pakistan, on the other hand, are scheduled to begin its campaign on October 6 against the Netherlands at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
