Shoaib Malik announces retirement from HBL PSL

Shoaib Malik has announced his retirement from the Pakistan Super League (PSL), bringing an end to a playing journey that has run uninterrupted since the tournament’s inception in 2016.

The decision comes ahead of the landmark PSL season 11, marking the close of a decade-long association between one of Pakistan’s most enduring cricketers and its flagship T20 league.

Malik confirmed the news via his social media platforms, reflecting on the memories and relationships built over ten seasons of the PSL.

“I cherish every single moment and friendship I have made on and off the field throughout my 10 years of the Pakistan Super League as a player,” Malik wrote. “It’s time to call it a day. However, my passion and motivation to serve for the betterment of cricket will always stay. Thank you PSL.”

Few players have been as consistent a presence in the league as Malik. From the early days when the PSL was played in the UAE to its growth into a fully home-based tournament, Malik remained a regular feature, representing four franchises during his career — Karachi Kings, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators.

His final appearance came for Quetta Gladiators in PSL 10, closing the loop on a career defined by adaptability and longevity.

Statistically, Malik departs as one of the most prolific performers in PSL history. He is the fourth-highest run-scorer in the league, having amassed 2,350 runs in 92 matches at an impressive average of 33.09.

Often deployed in the middle order, Malik was valued for his ability to control innings, finish games and provide balance with his part-time offspin. He also claimed 17 wickets in the tournament, underlining his all-round contribution.

Beyond the PSL, Malik’s broader T20 record further contextualises his impact. He is the sixth-highest run-scorer in T20 cricket overall, with 13,571 runs, including 83 half-centuries, at a strike rate of 127.24 — numbers that speak to both durability and consistency across leagues worldwide.

While Malik’s playing days in the PSL are over, his statement suggests this is not a farewell to cricket altogether.

As the league enters a new era with expansion and structural changes, it does so without one of its most familiar figures — a player whose experience helped bridge generations and whose influence extended well beyond the scorecard.