Malik raring to make his comeback

Former captain urges selectors to create a pool for the World Cup.

LAHORE: Out-of-favour Pakistan allrounder Shoaib Malik has vowed to make a strong comeback to the national squad after being overlooked for the One-Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 series against England last month.

Malik, who only regained his place in the Test squad after then-captain Shahid Afridi retired from the format after the first Test against Australia at Lord's, lacked form and had only scored a single half-century in the last six Tests.

"Cricket is a game in which a player never feels complete," said Malik. "Even if you're performing well in your career, you still have to work hard and that helps one become a complete player. And that's exactly what I'm concentrating on."

The former captain also stressed on the need to give a player a fair chance to prove his mettle at the highest level.

"A player should know how many matches he's going to play and should be given ample time to justify the opportunity. Once things are clear to him and he's given a proper chance, then the result will be fruitful."

Pool needed for World Cup

Malik also urged the national selectors to create a pool of players that they can shortlist the squad for the World Cup 2011 from. The tournament takes place in February and March next year in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

"It's a huge event which every player looks forward to. To prepare for it, the captain, coach and selectors should make a list of players they want Pakistan to be represented by. They should then be given a proper chance ahead of the event with enough cricket."

Published in The Express Tribune, October 2^nd, 2010.