Pakistan selectors name the squad on May 12 for the tour that starts on June 1.
The all-rounder was omitted from the Asia Cup squad following the limited-overs series-loss against England. However, his chances of regaining a place in the side improved after he passed the fitness test under the supervision of coach Dav Whatmore.
The 30-year old has remained impressive in the domestic season where he also led Sialkot Stallions to two Twenty20 titles – the National Twenty20 and the Super Eight T20 Cup.
“I was offered county contracts through my representative but I refused to sign the deal because of a strict clause in those contracts,” Malik told The Express Tribune. “The teams sought assurance that I’ll be forced to play for them if I sign the deal, even if I was selected for Pakistan. That left me with no option but to turn them down as making a return to the national side is my priority. I’m hoping to regain my place in the squad ahead of the Sri Lanka tour.”
Pakistan will play three Tests, five One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and two Twenty20s in Sri Lanka. Malik, who has played 32 Tests and 203 ODIs, said he was working hard to maintain his form and fitness.
“I am training hard and also playing club matches these days. If I get another chance, I will try my best to perform for Pakistan.”
Published in The Express Tribune, May 4th, 2012.
COMMENTS (9)
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@Dr. Asad Sadick now what's your take on this, now that both Essex and Hampshire have denied that they offered Malik any contract. From the outset it was clear that Malik is lying. In my opinion, Malik should never be in the national squad because he's the main perpetrator of politics in the side, that is when he is not the captain himself.
I believe SHOAIB MALIK is the best player with no doubts he is very good all rounder and sensible and mature CAPTAIN, he should be in the Pakistan side....even i consider him as Captain for One Days and T20 format....All best Malik
Why fix something that is not broken. We won the Asia Cup recently and the only part of the team that looked weak was the pace department, not the batting or the spin attack. Therefore there is no place for Malik in the team. It would be better if the selectors invested in a young batsman like Haris Sohail and Usman Salahuddin.
@Ch. Allah Daad: There is such a clause and that is why Chris Gayle (ever heard of him) was having problems with his county Somerset, when he was invited to join the West Indies team. Get your act right before crircizing just for the heck of it.
he has no form. pakistan team is now a balanced team. our batting, spin bowling is perfect now. we only need improvement in pace department. i don't think malik deserves a chance. he got a chance against england. and he blew it way. moreover he has connection with match fixing and grouping within team.
@Ch Allah Daad: If Malik would accept the offer then you will also criticize him that he prefer county and money rather than playing with his country.
He claims that he has made a great sacrifice for Pakistan, infact he is lying to pressurize selectors. Never heard of such clause. Pakistan team is doing fine without him.
Love you Malik.....:)