Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik confirms his willingness to continue playing T20I cricket for Pakistan. This comment was made during an interview on Paktv on Monday, August 7, during a Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2023 match between Jaffna Kings and Dambulla Aura. However, stated unequivocally that he does not intend to make a comeback in ODIs or Tests.
When asked why he was pulled from the PAK team, Malik stated that he was dropped despite doing well. While he is eager to play T20Is for Pakistan, he says he has no expectations from Babar Azam or the team management. He recently pitched a fighting inning for Jaffna Kings in the current LPL.
However, I am ready to return to the T20 team if they call me: Shoaib Malik
The 41-year-old made these remarks while speaking to Pak TV, “When I was dropped from the Pakistan team, my performances and stats were very good. I have retired from Tests and ODI and I have no plans of making a comeback in those formats. However, I am ready to return to the T20 team if they call me. But I don’t expect anything from the captain, the selectors, or the PCB. I have zero expectations from anyone. I am fit and will continue as long as I enjoy playing.”
Despite being out of national T20I action since November 2021, Malik’s best moments in T20 cricket will be remembered, with the first Pakistani batter to score the fastest fifty in a T20 World Cup match against Scotland in 2021, scored in just 18 balls. Despite being out of national T20I action since November 2021.
In November 2015, he announced his retirement from Test cricket to focus on the limited-overs game. His ODI performance has been impressive throughout the years, but Malik retired from the format after the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales. On Monday, August 7, he was impressive with both bat and ball during the team’s match against Dambulla Aura at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. He just let up 13 runs in his four overs while scooping up two wickets.
Here’s how fans reacted:
He can play till 90yrs??
— msd_stan (@bdrijalab) August 8, 2023
Shoaib Malik In T20 world cup 2026 and 2028 : pic.twitter.com/HuPbL1CNps
— Abhay ?? (@InfinityAbhay) August 8, 2023
Last Wale mein commentry kiye the an!
— Abhinav Singh (@ProteinEnforcer) August 8, 2023
Pravin Tambe inspiration se 50 years tak khelega ye bhi
— Rahul Varma (@urscoolrahul) August 8, 2023
Kehdo ye bhi 58 saal ka hai ?
— Shk Bilal (@Shk_Bilal09) August 8, 2023
Hahaha @shridharbhattar bhai dekho???ye sala alag fit hai?
— Quazi Farooque Azam (@itsqfa) August 8, 2023
Shane Watson also confirm he’s available to play in all format for Australia ?
— Lubana Warriors (@LovepreetS49) August 8, 2023
We don’t care
— Mohit khokar (@khokar_mohit) August 8, 2023
