Malik, who has led Pakistan in 36 One-Day Internationals (ODI), three Tests and 17 Twenty20s, was dropped for the Asia Cup, becoming one of the casualties of the disastrous limited-overs leg of the series against England.
The all-rounder was included in the series against England at captain Misbahul Haq’s request but failed to contribute substantially.
While he played a hand in Pakistan’s only win in the limited-overs series that came in the first Twenty20, the selectors were unimpressed.
However, Malik said he would bounce back and book a spot in the team.
“I recovered most of my form in the last ODI against England,” Malik told The Express Tribune, referring to the fourth ODI in which he scored 23 off 33 balls. “That gave me a lot of confidence which can be seen in my performance in the T20s.
“I almost regained my confidence after struggling in the previous months. Being snubbed for the Asia Cup has broken the tempo but I’m a professional cricketer and such things happen.”
‘I can play for another 6 to 8 years’
The 30-year-old, who has played 32 Tests and 203 ODIs, said he had a lot of cricket left in him.
“I can play for another six to eight years. The mid-thirties are the best years for a batsman.
“I’m not the kind of player who’ll keep on playing. If I feel I can’t perform anymore, I will quit.”
The seasoned all-rounder, who is representing his departmental team PIA in the ongoing Faysal Bank One-Day Cup Division One, has scored 149 runs besides claiming seven wickets in four matches of the domestic tournament.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 15th, 2012.
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He was a good player and emerging leader till he started grouping. He has healthy average of 35 for Pakistani batsmen but I think it is too late for him to be back in team.
He could easily replace the out of form Asad Shafiq. Plus he is a quality bowler. Get him back. Waiting for nasty comments.
He was a wonderful cricketer but he is not performing now ..... He can Stay in the team by howwww
you can't sleep with an Indian and represent Pakistan on ground.
Tnak u vry much fr ur offer, but Pak is much better without u! We dont need u in the team, perhaps Sania Bhabi needs u more!
we no longer need you. Thanks indeed.
We don't want back him in the team. So please enjoy your life, you made enough money during your carrer. Now take rest and find some other suitalbe job like dancing etc. Imran Nazir and Awais Zia should be included in Twenty20 World Cup.
Thanks but No Thanks Mr. Malik ! Stay out of Pakistan and Pakistan cricket. There are plenty youngesters at same level or better than you who deserve a chance now ! You had fair share of chances.
“I recovered most of my form in the last ODI against England,” Malik told The Express Tribune, referring to the fourth ODI in which he scored *23 off 33 balls.* - Well..if that's what you call recovering form..than Umar Gul has every right to call himself the greatest batsmen in the world after his 39 against Bangladesh.
Cant bat anymorw, cant bowl anymore. Maybe he has a chance if he can become a decent standard wicket keeper.
Is he related to Rehman Malik? They both are finny!
Shoaib Malik, Shoaib Akhtar etc etc must protest for a separate Pakistan cricket team for themselves like ongoing protests for separate balochistan. Lolx
All the suffers Pakistan team made in past years started from your captaincy. We still have few match losers in the team like you. We can not afford you any more. Do this nation a favor and never come in the team again.
What? Malik Future captain. Pakistan cricket might die with that happen
Inshallah malik will make comeback.we wanna see u again.these people dont know eho scored more centuries from pak in asia cup.luv u malik ur future captain.
Malik a future captain
we need sami and imran nazir back.. time for misbah to retire from one day and t 20.. hes to damn slow...
"i had almost regained my confidence" but then the team had lost the cup. Come on shoaib its time to say cricket bye.
come back yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar we r mising uuuuuuuuuuuuuu Allah bless u shoaib malik
Hahahahahahhahahahahahahahaahahahahhahaahhahaha.
“I’m not the kind of player who’ll keep on playing. If I feel I can’t perform anymore, I will quit.” Please quite for the sake of country, you have lost it completely. Be brave and give room to youngsters. And if you want to be remembered than Train or Groom young talent.
I remember you a person who creates controversies and divide while in the team.
Politics in domestic is ok but not at international level. Thank you PCB for keeping a trouble maker out of the dressing room.
Team doesn't need his sort. What he means is he almost got the big shot's son to get him into the team again.
oh well good for you...enjoy your regained confidence at home....
A welcome relief for other international teams !
thank you very much for telling us joke of the day... we are lucky to have you outside the ground and love it...
No!!! thanks very much