ICC T20 World Cup 2022: Shoaib Malik Takes A Dig At Babar Azam, Says, 'I Will Only Play If Babar Wants Me To'

Pakistan Cricket Team is in tatters at the moment. The 2009 T20 World Cup Champions are facing tough times as their middle-order batters are unable to put a formidable score on board. This issue has been going on since the recently concluded Asia Cup 2022 and in the England vs Pakistan T20I Series, the situation got from bad to worse.

Many experts have questioned the team’s selection as the selectors have blatantly ignored the experienced campaigner Shoaib Malik. The case of Malik is quite puzzling as the batter hasn’t been given opportunities since the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2021. He is someone who can provide stability to the middle order and bat long and make the innings count.

Shoaib Malik on Pakistan Selection

Shoaib Malik was seen interacting with Cricket Pakistan on YouTube Channel and made a surprising claim about Babar Azam. “He asked me if I want to continue playing or take retirement during the last world cup, to which I said that I don’t want to play anymore due to the recent turn of events,” said Malik.

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However, I told Babar that if he wants me to play, then I will play. I have always been available for Pakistan and I still am,” he added.

Watch: Shoaib Malik Interacting with Cricket Pakistan

Pressure on Babar Azam

Pakistan Skipper Babar Azam would be aware that fans expect their team to clinch the marquee event. PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja had made it clear that Pakistan expects a better performance from them. The main problem with the batters is that they are not focusing on rotating strikes as a result they are consuming a lot of dot balls.

Head Coach Saqlain Mushtaq would be bothered as now the team has to once again to the drawing board. The Men in Green are due to play a Tri-series in New Zealand featuring Bangladesh too. Pakistan batters should keep one thing in mind they need to follow basics and don’t try to complicate things.

Also Read: PAK vs ENG: “Iss Se Achha Unfit, Motey Players Khila Lo”: Pakistan Legend Calls Babar Azam’s Side ‘Bacchon Ki Team’ In Massive Outburst