Shoaib Malik to Retire From ODI's After 2019 World Cup

Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik has shed light into his One-day International retirement. He announced that he will call it quits from the 50-over format after the conclusion of the 2019 World Cup slated to be played in England and Wales, next year.

However, veteran batsman Malik will continue to play Twenty20 International cricket subject to his fitness and how he shapes up following his retirement from ODI’s.

Malik made his ODI debut for Pakistan way back in 1999 against Windies in Sharjah. He informed about his retirement plans during a press conference in Lahore.

Moreover, Pakistan will leave for Zimbabwe for a Tri-nation series involving Australia. The Men in Green will then play in a five-match ODI series against hosts Zimbabwe.

“The 2019 World Cup is my last event of the 50-over cricket. I will try to play T20 cricket if I continue to stay fit and put up performances,” Malik was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

The quality player Malik has accumulated 6,975 runs in his ODI career at an average of 35.22. In the process, he smashed nine centuries and 41 half-centuries. He was handed over the reigns after Pakistan was unceremoniously knocked out of ICC World Cup in 2007 following a humiliating loss against Ireland.

Malik led Pakistan in 56 games across formats. Under his tenure, Pakistan won 36 matches while losing out on 18.

“If you have made goals for yourself that keeps you running. I have made some for myself. We have already won two big events: the World T20 [in 2009] and the Champions Trophy [in 2017],” Malik stated.

“The only thing left in my career [to win] is that 50-over World Cup. That is the thing I am looking at which makes me work hard. I have big hopes from these youngsters and myself. We are going to give our best,” Malik revealed.

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Malik called it quits from the longest format of the game back in 2015. His highest Test score came in the same series against England when he smashed a brilliant 245 in Sharjah.

When asked whether he misses playing Test cricket, he replied that it is until you remain fit you enjoy the format. Otherwise, it becomes a workload to continue a Test career.

“You enjoy Test cricket till the time you are fit. Sometimes you have to take strong decisions. Many people take them keeping their future in mind. But, I tried to take it keeping the future of Pakistan cricket in my mind,” Malik said.

“Of course, I also thought about myself while announcing the retirement. I had to give time to my family and prolong my cricketing career. I have no regret that I made that decision. It came out in public like I took it overnight. That gap of five years in which I did not play a Test was a huge one. And, my retirement provided two-three youngsters with an opportunity to play Test cricket. Now they are performing for the side on a consistent basis. One can also serve your nation by retiring,” he added.

Pakistan is currently the No. 1 ranked side in the shortest format. Ever since Sarfaraz Ahmed’s elevation as the skipper, Pakistan has been brilliant in the shortest version of gentleman’s game. After the 2016 World Twenty20 International ouster, Pakistan has not lost a T20I series.

Shoaib Malik hails Pakistan’s recent performance in the shortest format:

“Pakistan has put up performances on a consistent basis in the recent past which we previously lacked,” said the 36-year-old Malik.

“People now have hopes from us to win big events. This is a good sign. This represents that our team and structure are on the right track. These youngsters are great. What really is outstanding that that outside of the playing XI prays for the ones who are playing. It is great for keeping our culture in mind,” Malik maintained.

“You learn from playing a match, regardless of its nature or your experience. Even in a club match, you learn the things that you normally don’t during practice. The team has gotten better in the shorter format because it is playing more and more matches,” he concluded.

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