“I have no plans to retire now because I am fit, can bat and bowl,” says Shoaib Malik

Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik said he has no plans to retire just yet after rumours of the all-rounder’s future started making rounds in the cricketing world. 

Malik currently plays only the T20 format for Pakistan after retiring from Tests and ODIs. He said he is still fit enough to give younger players a run for their money and fit the national squad.

Shoaib’s Record in T20

Malik till now has played 116 T20Is for Pakistan, scored 2335 runs at 31.13 and taken 28 wickets since his debut in 2006. He is the third-highest run-scorer in T20 cricket. He is just behind Chris Gayle (13,885) and Kieron Pollard (10,710). He has scored 10,488 runs from 417 matches.

“I am saying very clearly today I have not even thought about retirement. I have no plans to retire now because I am fit, I can bat, and I can bowl,” the 39-year-old batsman said.

“I have recently signed two-year contracts in some leagues so where does the question of me taking retirement after the World Cup arise.

“I can field in hotspots, I can take two runs and I can save two runs. When I have to bowl I can also bowl and I am batting well. My fitness is top grade,” Malik said.

Malik, despite now focusing only on the shortest format, has not been a part of the national T20 squad since last year as head coach Misbah-ul-Haq is trying new and younger batsmen instead of the seasoned Malik.

Malik, just like last time, has told the head coach that he is unwilling to change his batting position. If they do consider selecting him again he will bat at number four on a set position and not be moved in the batting order.

Malik also said that even when he plays the Pakistan Super League or other foreign leagues he kept on performing in the shortest format and has been known for working hard on his fitness to compete with younger players.