Malik now available for Pakistan

Former captain cleared by integrity committee, eyes quick return to squad to ‘make up for lost time’.

LAHORE:

Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has been cleared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) integrity committee and is set to ‘cover up for lost time’ with an impressive show after being eligible for national selection once again.

Malik was kept out of contention for national duties after the integrity committee raised questions over a certain amount in his England bank account because of which his name was linked with suspicious activities.

Legitimate bank deposits, says committee

However, after satisfying the integrity committee of the amount’s legitimacy, it was confirmed that ‘the deposits in this overseas account did not emanate from any questionable source or activity’.

“The integrity committee, after detailed deliberation, has unanimously reached the conclusion that Malik has been able to establish that the said deposits in this overseas account did not emanate from any questionable source or activity,” said a PCB statement.

“As against that, no incriminating material to the contrary was available on the record hence Malik is hereby cleared by the integrity committee.”

Malik has been appearing before the committee since January with his last meeting taking place on Monday where he handed over most of the required documentation.

After almost a year in wilderness

The allrounder, 29, has not represented Pakistan since the tour of England last year due to his long battle with the PCB to clear his name. He was named as a reserve player for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe but the PCB has not yet announced whether he will be included in the main squad now that he has been cleared.

However, The Express Tribune understands that Malik will be drafted into the limited-overs squad.

Malik was also omitted for the series against South Africa and the tour of New Zealand before being ignored for the World Cup.

Malik sets eyes on quick return

The former captain, however, has set his sights on reviving his career.

Playing for Pakistan is my greatest joy and honour,” said Malik. “I am very happy to be cleared for which I was very much hopeful.

Not playing the World Cup was a tragedy

“The last year was very tough on me and not playing the 2011 World Cup was the biggest tragedy of my life, but now I will do my best and perform for my country whenever I get a chance.”

Malik was the second-highest run-scorer in the Quaide Azam Trophy Division One last season with 799 runs at an average of over 73.

“I want to play cricket and though I have already lost a lot of valuable time, I will cover up for it by an impressive return. Now it is up to the board and selectors to select me.”Published in The Express Tribune, August 20^th, 2011.