It has been learnt that Malik was drafted into the side because of his experience after he was cleared by the integrity committee of his suspected links with bookies. He played three One-Day Internationals and two Twenty20s, failing to make significant contribution with bat or ball.
However, the former captain managed to get into the Test squad but his show in Zimbabwe has forced the PCB to delay issuing him a central contract.
“Malik is in the squad because the selection committee wants to give him a proper chance,” said a top PCB official. “His performance in Zimbabwe was below par and he has a lot to prove. People say that he may return as captain soon but everything depends on his performance given that he’s not an automatic choice in the playing-eleven.”
The official pointed out the stiff competition in the side and emphasised that the former captain will have to perform quickly in order to keep his place. Malik is also missing the first round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy where all top players were told to be in action. The PCB official confirmed that it was not an issue since he sought the PCB’s permission to skip the match in order to accompany his wife, Sania Mirza, who is due for a knee surgery.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 8th, 2011.
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Shoaib Malik booked his place in the team with a scintillating performance in the T-20 tournament which recently concluded in Karachi. All the stalwarts of Pakistan played but it was Malik, who not only played a stellar role but also carried Sialkot Stallions to a sensational 6th title win. His 88 not out in the semis was an innings that was unforgettable. Besides, he has a proved record in international cricket. He is only 29 and deserves all the chances. Ahmed
Integrity committee?
Shoaib Malik never deserved to be in the test team. His connections always got him in the team and Captain. It is intriguing how he managed to make a comeback in the team and after poor showing in Zimbabwe, he is again in the team. In Zimbabwe in five matches- three one dayers, and two t20 matches- he scored 34 runs. In five matches he bowled only six overs and gave away 42 runs, got no wicket. How he deserves to be in the team. Some one in the PCB is bringing this tainted player back, and he may be captain again, who knows.
Now He will score in a dead rubber and book his seat for next 3 series. Poor Asad Shafique he may have to do the 12th man job.
Now politics will start in team.
@Hamood: I agree with you 100%. Unfortunately most of the match fixers have been rewarded in Pakistan. In any other country Akmal brothers, Salman Butt, Asif, Shoaib, and Amir would have been banned for life, but not in Pakistan. However, the world body hopefully is providing them fair trials and punishment accordingly. They are not the heros but hardened criminals. Thanks and regards, Mirza
i think Asad Shafiq should be preferred in the playing eleven over Malik because he is future prospect for the national team and has the caliber and stamina of a test player which is not the case with Malik who is naturally a great striker of the ball but with poor batting technique
All the match fixers including Malik should be closely monitored and given life bans and charged with treason once enough evidence is found.