Shoaib Malik retires from International Cricket!!

Former Pakistan captain and dynamic all-rounder Shoaib Malik announced his retirement from international cricket on July 25. Malik has reportedly said that he has no interest in playing for Pakistan again as he is really satisfied and happy with his present life.

However, Malik, who earlier this year made headlines after his third marriage with Sana Javed, has not yet officially confirmed his retirement from international cricket, but a senior Pakistani journalist revealed that the all-rounder called time on his decorated career spanning over two decades.

Shoaib Malik calls time on International career with no coaching plans

Malik grabbed attention with his explosive batting and handy off-spin in domestic cricket and quickly became known for his aggressive style and versatility after making his ODI debut for Pakistan against the West Indies in 1999.

His breakthrough came in 2003 during the ICC Cricket World Cup, where his all-round abilities started to shine, showcasing his ability to adapt and perform under pressure. The former Pakistan skipper's prowess with both bat and ball made him a valuable asset, earning him a spot in Pakistan’s Test team in 2001.

He made his Test debut in Multan against Bangladesh in 2001 and went on to represent his country in 35 matches before announcing his retirement from Test cricket in 2015. Malik scored 1898 runs and managed 32 wickets in 35 Test matches for the Pakistan team. He had played his last Test match against England in Sharjah in November 2015.

He retired from Test cricket to focus on the limited-overs cricket. He helped Pakistan win the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017 and was making significant contributions, but then called time on his ODI career after the ODI World Cup in 2019.

Shoaib Malik had a remarkable career as Pakistan all-rounder

The former Pakistan captain had a remarkable ODI career, amassing 7534 runs with the help of nine centuries and 44 fifties and scalping 158 wickets in 287 matches. However, Malik remained a key figure of the Pakistan team in T20I cricket.

His T20 career continued to shine, and he became a sought-after player in domestic T20 leagues around the world. Despite facing controversies due to personal life and occasional dips in form, Malik’s resilience and skill kept him in the spotlight.

He enjoyed success in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and almost every overseas league. He has 2435 runs and 28 wickets to his name in 124 T20I matches, with his last appearance in the format being against Bangladesh in Mirpur in 2021.

Since then, he was not considered for Pakistan selection despite showing great form in the franchise leagues across the world and having top-notch fitness. After waiting for his opportunity for four years, Malik decided to hang his boots from the game.

I am very happy and satisfied with my present life: Shoaib Malik

In his social media post, Pakistani sports journalist Saleem Khaliq claimed that Shoaib Malik retired from international cricket and he is not interested in coaching the national team, but he would love to work as a mentor in domestic cricket to improve the grassroots condition in the country.

Saleem Khaliq posted on X: “Played cricket for Pakistan for years, enjoyed it very much, I am very happy and satisfied with my present life, now I have no interest to play for Pakistan again, not interested in coaching the national team, but as a domestic mentor. I will definitely offer my services at the level of Shoaib Malik.”

پاکستان کے لیے برسوں کرکٹ کھیلی، اس سے خوب لطف اندوز ہوا، میں موجودہ زندگی سے بہت خوش اور مطمئن ہوں،اب پاکستان کی طرف سے دوبارہ کھیلنے میں میری کوئی دلچسپی نہیں ہے، قومی ٹیم کی کوچنگ کا شوق نہیں، البتہ بطور مینٹور ڈومیسٹک سطح پر اپنی خدمات ضرور پیش کروں گا، شعیب ملک

— Saleem Khaliq (@saleemkhaliq) July 25, 2024