KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik looks set to be part of the centrally contracted players list after taking part in the fitness tests held under the supervision of coach Dav Whatmore held at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.
The tests were conducted on Pakistan’s regular players after the Pakistan Cricket Board decided to check the players’ fitness before handing them new contracts.
Afridi, who lost his contract last year after announcing his conditional retirement from the international cricket, was also present in Lahore while Malik, who was snubbed by the selectors for the Asia Cup squad, was also absent from the list that was announced last August.
Meanwhile, players, including captain Misbahul Haq appeared for the test where they were asked to perform different exercises to display their stamina. Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Hafeez and Umar Akmal missed the trial due to various reasons.
The PCB is yet to announce this year’s contracts, which was delayed after the change in the selection panel following the series against England in the UAE.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 10th, 2012.
COMMENTS (16)
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I support giving Malik a central contract but the Board should make sure that he has recovered his batting form.When in form Malik is capable of playing match winning innings.Whatmore should take Malik,Umar Akmal and few others under his wing give few hints and do some intensive coaching to sharpen their talents.Malik is a very good middle order batsman.
Aoa we must give Ahmed shahzad a chance...he is aggressive..technically very sound..he is just 20 yr...as far as his displine is concern..if managment cant control a 20 yr old guy than i thing a manager is useless in the team....
@ahmed:
Anyone can agree or disagree with one's viewpoint or opinion. But, the kind of language you have used here reflects your upbringing and your background, very impressive, thanks for sharing.
@vital:
No, I am looking at Malik's international performance which for the most part is very ordinary. If the performance in the recently concluded Faisal Cup T20 is the critirea, then there are many more deserving players who should be given the opportunity rather than Malik. There are many who deserve a second chance and many who should be given the green cap. Malik would be the poor investment. How many opportunity does he need. Without the Purchee he would have been long forgotten.
As must is one coach and captain, now a politican is also must for Pak team. So Shoaib is a best choice for PCB, he owns a vast experience in cricket politics and juniors can be groomed by his efforts. Dr. Ashiq Awan is 'NOT INVOLVED" to get in in the team.
@vital: Well if a good performance in a single tournament could let him win a Central Contract in National Team then hey! I too scored few centuries and fifties. Where is my Contract.
PS: Give him a central contract at domestic level and let him play as long as he want. I am 100% sure he will bring nothing good for our National Team.
Another domestic bully! Cant we have players like Usman, Haris in our team. Why we always want to test the failures!
i am keeping my opinion safe untill PCB AWARDS this contract to Mr.Farhat!
@syed shut up n listen no one can argue with success he proved to be the best player in domestic bar none let us get the ethnic venom out of their hearts
I dont like this... we should get new players... when he was the captain.. there was lots of politics.... he was given a chance but he failed at international level...
Its good decision. If you talk about merit, he really deserves it... Sialkot Stallions: The world record holder team, that's not an ordinary thing. Malik has been leading that team from last many years and he proved every-time... Do check the stats and you will get, what actually merit demands from us... Its fair decision indeed....
man enough with the purchees (safarish)... the man has delivered in the domestic competition and made sialkot champions through his bowling and batting... he has proven himself and earned his spot... i saw his performances in the domestic league and they were good. he was trying very hard and we should support him.. no purchi here.. get a life.
Malik performs well in domestic cricket and win streight 7th time in Pakistnai T20 as a captain. It would be unwise to ignore him continously.
@syed i think you are not up to date , just look at his current domestic performance. Shoaib has given shut up to all his critics after his brilliant performance
Im not a Malick fan but I guess his performance with bat and ball and as a skipper for Sialkot stallions in the domestic tournament has made selectors change their mind.
Here we go again. We were all hopefull that Zaka Ashraf will bring fairness and transparency to Pakistan Cricket. Now can someone explain what's the merit for awarding Malik the Central Contract. Malik has been around for over a decade and has nothing meaningfull to show for. I guess he has the biggest of all Purchees to make come backs after come back despite being a failure every time.