Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik expressed his disappointment over being neglected of the nationwide group for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia and mentioned that he’ll play provided that captain Babar Azam needs to.
Speaking in an interview with Cricket Pakistan on YouTube, Malik revealed that he occurs to be with Babar solely often.
“He asked me if I wanted to continue playing or retire during the last World Cup, to which I said I don’t want to play anymore due to recent events,” Malik mentioned.
“However, I advised Babar that if he needs me to play, I’ll play. I’ve at all times been obtainable for Pakistan and nonetheless am.
“Then I requested Babar to inform me whether or not I ought to take part within the chosen collection or chosen matches and let me find out about it. Then he advised me ‘Okay you may play and I’ll let you know accordingly’, he added.
Malik, who has not been chosen for the T20 World Cup 2022, final performed for Pakistan in November 2021.
Asked Shoaib Malik to retire: Hafeez
Former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has mentioned {that a} participant like Shoaib Malik was not handled properly. Malik was missed for the lately concluded Asia Cup 2022 and was additionally missed for the World Cup. The 40-year-old couldn’t make it to the nationwide group regardless of publicly saying that he may nonetheless play the game.
Lauding Malik for sustaining a excessive customary of health, Hafeez mentioned that one who has performed worldwide cricket for greater than 2 many years shouldn’t be handled like that.
“Malik gave his best to Pakistan for almost 21-22 years and maintaining his fitness standards for so long is absolutely remarkable,” Hafeez advised Cricket Pakistan.
“When I retired, I additionally requested Malik to retire as a result of I knew he wouldn’t be revered because it was clear in my case as properly. My understanding was that he wished a final stand however cricket is merciless like this,” he mentioned.
With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
