Shoaib Malik has this to say on his retirement plans; end nearing soon?

Shoaib Malik has been around for Pakistan cricket for many years now and is still going strong. The all-rounder turned 40 last month and there were many talks about him retiring from international cricket. However, Malik has cleared all the speculations that have been doing rounds of late.

Malik recently said that he has given his best while playing for Pakistan despite being on the wrong side of age, adding that no one can question his place in the team.

 "Despite my age, no one can claim that I am a liability. I have performed at the highest level – especially in the T20 format –and I have shown my worth with the ball, with the bat, and especially in the field. I am thoroughly enjoying my cricket right now because I am utilising all my experience and intensity during the games," said Malik to Cricket Pakistan.

The 40-year old said that he thought about making a decision on his career after the 20-20 World Cup last year and after a successful campaign, he decided to continue. 

Malik informed that he had clear communication with Babar Azam, to be on the same page with skipper. He also said that he will do what the skipper wants him to do, even if it is playing limited number of series. Malik also spoke about the chances of him playing the 20-20 World Cup in Australia later this year.

"I asked Babar to communicate with me, even if that means playing limited series. He told me to play the series against Bangladesh and I did. Following that, we had a series against West Indies and Babar said he wanted to play a couple of youngsters and I stepped aside and rested for that series," he said.

"I have not made up my mind about the World Cup because I want to retire with respect. If Babar asks me to play then I will play otherwise I will step aside respectfully," he concluded.