Celebrities share mixed emotions as Shoaib Malik draws curtain on ODI career

'So proud of everything you have achieved', Sania Mirza wrote in a heartfelt post on Malik's retirement

With a career spanning over 20 years, Pakistani all-rounder Shoaib Malik announced retirement from ODI cricket in an emotional post.

“Today I retire from One Day International cricket. Huge thank you to all the players I have played with, coaches I have trained under, family, friends, media, and sponsors. Most importantly my fans, I love you all, #PakistanZindabad,” Malik tweeted.

Today I retire from One Day International cricket. Huge Thank you to all the players I have played with, coaches I have trained under, family, friends, media, and sponsors. Most importantly my fans, I love you all#PakistanZindabad 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/zlYvhNk8n0

— Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) July 5, 2019

As soon as Shoaib announced the decision, his wife and Indian tennis player Sania Mirza took to the social-networking platform to congratulate the veteran on an astounding career.

“Every story has an end, but in life, every ending is a new beginning.  Shoaib Malik, you have proudly played for your country for 20 years and you continue to do so with so much honour and humility. Izhaan and I are so proud of everything you have achieved but also for who you are,” Mirza wrote.

‘Every story has an end, but in life every ending is a new beginning’ @realshoaibmalik 🙃 u have proudly played for your country for 20 years and u continue to do so with so much honour and humility..Izhaan and I are so proud of everything you have achieved but also for who u r❤️

— Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) July 5, 2019

Not just Sania, but many bid the cricketer farewell.

Grace personified! This is our star @realshoaibmalik ! Thank you for all the years of service to 🇵🇰 https://t.co/Zj6n4JDYT4

— Mahira Khan (@TheMahiraKhan) July 6, 2019

As always @realshoaibmalik was graceful and dignified during his retirement speech. #ThankYouShoaibMalik for being an inspiration to so many specially the younger players and for all the winning moments over the last 20 years. pic.twitter.com/fmPbHSVQos

— M. Jibran Nasir 🇵🇸 (@MJibranNasir) July 5, 2019

Dear brother @realshoaibmalik You have played marvellous cricket and your calm batting style will be remembered for the times to come . You have retired but you will always stay in our hearts as a legend. #ThankyouMalik

— Abrar Ul Haq (@AbrarUlHaqPK) July 5, 2019

Dumbs are judging Shoaib Malik from his last 3-4 innings.Actually they don't know the aura of this player at his peak.Came as spinner,shine as a batsman,lead his nation.And perform too much winning performances.Thank you @therealshoibmalik bhai for your services#ThankYouMalik pic.twitter.com/a57sz815b1

— Ibrahim (@Ibrahim47467990) July 6, 2019

We do not remember days,we remember moments #ShoaibMalik miss you pic.twitter.com/8rHKqi8UaO

— ♡Aj (@JAZAFROZ) July 6, 2019

The 37-year-old will continue to play the Twenty20 format, but he admitted it was an emotional moment to call time on his ODI career.

"I am retiring from one-day cricket," said Malik, who was dropped after a disappointing World Cup featuring two ducks in three maches.

"I'm sad as I'm leaving the format I loved the most but this will allow me to spend more time with my family and concentrate on the Twenty20 World Cup next year," added Malik

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