Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed
Shoaib Malik (Photo credit - JEKESAI NJIKIZANA/AFP/Getty Images)

Former Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik stated that the upcoming Asia Cup will be a very important tournament for all the teams taking part. He said that it will be the ideal tournament for preparing the World Cup slated to be played next year. He stated that not only for India and Pakistan, the tournament will be very important for all the 6 nations. Barring Hong Kong, all the 5 other teams have directly qualified for the World Cup.

During an interview with Gautam Bhimani with Cricbuzz, Malik revealed the team’s aspirations of lifting the World Cup next year. The former skipper also spoke on Imran Khan, who was recently appointed as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Shoaib Malik hopes that Imran Khan will be as successful in his venture as a Prime Minister just like the way he was during his captaincy days with Pakistan. Malik further revealed that just sitting beside him can work wonders for a cricketer.

Pakistan, Mohammed Hafeez, Sarfraz Ahmed
Pakistan will be one of the favourites for the upcoming Asia Cup. Credits – Getty)

Shoaib Malik feels it will be a big tournament for all the teams 

‘I think for all the teams who are playing in the Asia Cup, it will be a big tournament for them. World Cup is just around the corner. Whoever or wherever you are playing your aim to improve each day so you can do well in the World Cup. I think it’s a great opportunity for all the teams and players to prepare yourself for the big thing. But every game is important. It has his own priority and even the individual performances matter a lot.

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Well never played with Imran Khan or under him. But I have played with those players who have played under him. One thing they all say that no matter what if he thinks something needs to be done, he will do it. He is so much respected all over the world. He is our new prime minister and he is someone that if he makes a commitment he will definitely do that. I think Pakistan will improve as he has become the Prime Minister.

Shoaib Malik, Pakistan, India, Asia Cup 2018, VVS Laxman
Shoaib Malik feels the Asia Cup will be a very important tournament for all the 6 teams. (Image Courtesy: Getty Images)

“I pray for him that he will do very well for the country as a Prime Minister just like the way he captained Pakistan,” Malik concluded. Shoaib Malik is part of the Pakistan team for the upcoming Asia Cup. Heis definitely in the scheme of things for the World Cup next year. Malik has always performed well against India. Hence he will definitely look to get some runs in the tournament and especially against arch-rivals India.

A Cricket Expert who loves revolving his life around the game. An extremely passionate music lover who loves singing and listening to Arijit Singh songs.