‘Do I look old?’- Shoaib Malik shuts his retirement rumours

Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik has no immediate plans to take retirement from the T20Is. The 39-year was in phenomenal form during the recently concluded 20-20 World Cup. Malik slammed the fastest fifty of the tournament against Scotland. Despite his good show, the retirement rumours refused to slow down.

‘Do I look old?’ Malik was quoted as by A- Sports.

During the launch of his perfume brand in Karachi, Malik had stated that he spoke to skipper Babar Azam about his desire to play T20Is for Pakistan. The reports had also mentioned Azam also wanted his seasoned campaigner to continue in the shortest format.

Azam has always backed Malik to be in the team. Initially, the 39-year-old was not part of the 20-20 World squad. However, an injury to Sohaib Maqsood opened an opportunity for Malik. He didn’t disappoint and finished the tournament with 100 runs at an impressive strike rate of 181.81.

Malik then was seen in a three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. However, the all-rounder won’t be part of the upcoming three-match T20I series against the West Indies. The 39-year-old told the selectors to consider him for important tours or matches. He also said a few youngsters should be groomed ahead of the next 20-20 World Cup in Australia.

Pakistan have quite a few exciting young players in Azam Khan and Haider Ali. The duo has been looked upon as the future. Meanwhile, Pakistan would be hoping to end 2021 on high. Under Babar Azam, the team has shown remarkable consistency. It has played an aggressive brand of cricket and managed to beat top teams like India, South Africa, West Indies, and England in the T20Is this calendar year. Pakistan will next be seen in action against West Indies in a three-match T20I series starting on December 13.