Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez to skip West Indies T20Is owing to personal reasons

Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez have opted out of the upcoming T20I series against West Indies due to personal commitments. The veteran cricketers have conveyed their decision to skip the series to skipper Babar Azam and interim head coach Saqlain Mushtaq.

Malik had earlier requested the PCB to consider him for selection in important series only. He didn't play a lot of cricket for Pakistan in recent times but was recalled for the 20-20 World Cup in which he did considerably well.

The 39-year-old wants to prolong his career owing to which he wants the board to manage his workload. He also participates in several franchise tournaments such as Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Dhaka Premier League (DPL), and Pakistan Premier League (PSL).

"Malik has said that he wants to focus on playing in T20 leagues and the Pakistani selectors should only consider him for selection for select and important series," a reliable PCB source said.

On the other hand, Hafeez has said he is committed to playing Lanka Premier League (LPL). The second edition of the league is due to start on December 5. The veteran all-rounder has also said a few youngsters like Haider Ali, Sohaib Maqsood, and Azam Khan should be given an opportunity during the West Indies series.

"Basically it has been decided to now start giving more exposure to players like Haider Ali, Sohaib Maqsood, Khushdil Shah, Iftikhar Ahmed, Danish Aziz, Azam khan to prepare them for the future instead of waiting around for Hafeez and Malik," the source added.

The West Indies tour of Pakistan will begin on December 13. The teams will play three T20Is and three ODIs. The series will also kick start the exciting home season for the Men in Green.