Shoaib Malik, 2020 T20 World Cup, Retirement, Pakistan
Shoaib Malik (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Pakistan cricket team‘s veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik in a recent interview revealed that he is not ready to call time on his career, as of yet, and will make a decision on retirement, closer to the ICC T20 World Cup 2020, that is due to be held in Australia from October onwards.

The 38-year-old has already retired from Test and ODI cricket. He has played 35 and 287 matches for Pakistan respectively.

However, he is still going strong in the T20 internationals, having amassed 113 caps for his country, besides featuring in T20 leagues across the world.

Shoaib Malik opens up on his retirement plans, talks about the T20 World Cup and criticism he’s faced:

With both the T20 World Cup and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) on the horizon, Malik has said he will make a call on his future in the upcoming months.

Shoaib Malik, Pakistan, ICC T20 World Cup 2020, Bangladesh tour of Pakistan 2020
Shoaib Malik (Credits: Twitter)

The right-handed all-rounder in a recent interview discussed his plans, and judging by his words, the senior cricketer will try and force his way into the Pakistan team for the T20 World Cup due to be held later this year.

“The World Cup is still far off and I think right now my focus is on the Pakistan Super League and coming matches for Pakistan. When I get closer to the World Cup I will see what to do,” he said.

“I will have to see my fitness and position in the national side closer to the World Cup than I will take a decision on final retirement,” Malik told reporters.

Shoaib Malik, Pakistan, ICC T20 World Cup 2020, Bangladesh tour of Pakistan 2020
Shoaib Malik (Credits: Getty Images)

When quizzed about how he tackles criticism, the former Pakistani skipper said that he’s become used to it, and he tries not to take things personally.

“One becomes used to it. I don’t take it to heart. As I am not an insecure person and I have achieved a lot in life. For me even now to play for Pakistan is the biggest honour and perform as well as a senior professional.

“As far as my being dropped after the World Cup is concerned as a professional cricketer I have seen lot of ups and downs in life and I took it in my stride.”

Currently, the Pakistan team are due to host Bangladesh in a One-off ODI on 3rd April in Karachi’s National Stadium.

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Later, the two teams will play the second Test of their two-match Test series which the home lead 1-0.