Shoaib Malik is probably the player to play for the most number of teams in world cricket. He debuted way back in 1999 and is currently one of the longest-serving cricketers. The jack of all trades cricketer continues to slide in and out of the Pakistan team as per the requirements of the board and his fitness.
He played his last Test in 2015 but continues to play in ODIs and T20Is. His last ODI for example was in 2019, with the last T20I being a match against Bangladesh in 2021. The batting all-rounder has reached the brink of retirement on many occasions but has made comebacks on multiple occasions squashing the doubts about retirement plans.
The Men in Green batter has made 7534 runs in 287 ODIs for the national side and additionally 2435 runs in 124 T20I matches. Although he hasn’t played many tests; just 35, his highest score of 245 speaks volumes about his technique.
On Thursday, Malik posted a video on his Twitter account where he could be seen doing gym workouts. The video seemed to be a showcase of his fitness specifically posted on this day as the Pakistan Cricket Board were about to announce the squad for the upcoming 20-20 World Cup.
Many on Twitter soon started trolling the Pakistan cricketer as soon as the video was posted online. A large majority of Twitter users reminded Shoaib Malik that he would still be not considered for the team as he was past his prime.
A Twitter user with the name Atif Ijaz for example said, “just retire with dignity,” another by the name called out Malik saying, “Nice PR sir.”
As fans had predicted, Malik was not included in the 20-20 World Cup Squad of Pakistan and soon fans doubled down on the trolling.
Let’s look at how Twitter reacted to Shoiab Malik’s fitness video:
Selection ni huna ab retire hu gao
— Junaid ✨ (@beingBA56) September 15, 2022
hahahah Wc squad to be announced later today 🥵
— Imraan Khan (@ikAhmedAbood) September 15, 2022
Uploading gig for t20 WC
— Faizan Ashfaq (@muhammadfashfaq) September 15, 2022
Still no place in PCT.
Thanks— TayyaaB (@TayyaabKhan) September 15, 2022
Nice PR Sir
— Taimoor Shahid (@TaimoorShahid_) September 15, 2022
You aren't in squad . Thank GOD
— Bajray da sitta (@geneticalified) September 15, 2022
Jo mrzi krr team me nai aayega
— Faizan Ashfaq (@muhammadfashfaq) September 15, 2022
Please stick to motivational and promotional posts. Let the team do what it’s doing. Your influence of the 90s and 00s isn’t the greatest.
— AutoTat (@NotMyPM123) September 15, 2022
Aise ni hogi Worldcup me selection, do better
— Subhan Abbasi (@Subhanincrisis) September 15, 2022