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Shoaib-Malik
Shoaib Malik made it clear that he has no plans to retire from the game's shortest format. Shoaib Malik has already retired from Tests and ODI formats. Malik stated that he is still fit enough to give youngsters a run for their money and also represent the national cricket team. The 39-year-old has featured in 116 T20Is for Pakistan and scored 2335 runs at 31.13. He has also scalped 28 wickets since making his debut in the format in 2006. The all-rounder is the third-highest run-getter in the T20 format behind Chris Gayle (13,885) and Kieron Pollard (10,710). He has amassed around 10,488 runs from 417 matches.
I am working very hard on my fitness: Shoaib Malik
Shoaib Malik, who is entirely focussing only on the T20 format since retiring from Test and ODI matches, has been kept out of the Pakistan white ball squad since 2020. When questioned about Malik's absence in the T20 team, Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq stated that he is trying several new players in the batting order. Malik allegedly has made it clear to the head coach that even if the team management is considering to include him in the team, he will bat at number four on a set position. The veteran has reckoned that he would not be moved around like in the past. Malik further added that he kept on performing in the shortest format whenever he played in the Pakistan Super League or other foreign competitions. Thus, even now, he is working very hard on his fitness to compete with younger players.
Malik concluded by stating that he can still save runs in the field, and there is no need for the skipper to hide him due to the age factor. He claimed that he can run fast between the wickets and can also bowl if required.
The 39-year-old all-rounder’s last international match was a T20I against England in Manchester, September 2020. Shoaib Malik previous appearance in the 50-over game came against Team India at the 2019 World Cup. He made his international debut in an ODI against the West Indies in Sharjah back in 1999. His Test debut came after two years against Bangladesh. The right-handed batsman has featured in 35 Tests, 287 ODIs and 116 T20Is for Pakistan. He has 7,534 runs next to his name in the One Day International format, including nine tons. In the Test format, Shoaib Malik has amassed 1,898 runs, and he has slammed three centuries.