Lahore: Pakistan batting great Shoaib Malik on Sunday categorically stated that he is not responsible for the team, saying he “performed at the highest level” despite his age.
The 40-year-old played a key role in Pakistan reaching the semi-finals of the ICC T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates late last year, but critics have criticized his retirement, calling it a call for him at the age of 40. it’s time to. Day.
But Malik said that he still has international cricket left in him.
“Despite my age, no one can claim that I am a liability. I have performed at the highest level – especially in the T20 format – and I have shown my ability with the ball, with the bat and especially on the field,” Malik told Cricket Pakistan on Sunday.
“I am enjoying my cricket a lot right now because I am using all my experience and intensity during the games,” Malik said.
Malik, who emerged as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) this year, said batting in the middle overs was as difficult as opening the innings, with the key to running between demanding wickets. aspect was. fitness.
He said, ‘I am not claiming that opening is an easy task but there is no restriction on the field in the middle overs. This means that you will have to rely on running between the wickets a little more; This is where your fitness really comes in,” he said.
He said, “You can always improve fitness but I want to thank Almighty God because for me it is something that is naturally born in me.”
Speaking about his relationship with current Pakistan captain Babar Azam, the veteran cricketer said that they still hold regular conversations and discuss a lot of things.
“We talk regularly and I chatted about my future plans during the World Cup, I told him how everything ended – I don’t feel like continuing anymore. However, if you ask me Of course I still want to represent my country if you ask personally.”
“I asked Babar to speak to me even if it meant playing limited series. He asked me to play the series against Bangladesh and I did. After that, we did a series against West Indies and Babar said he wants to play some youngsters and I rested and rested for that series.
Malik said, “I have asked Babar to explain to me clearly even though my services are no longer needed because clarity is the most important thing for every cricketer, especially those who have played Pakistan cricket longer than me. ” was served.”
Get all the latest updates cricket news, cricket pictures, cricket videos, IPL Auction 2022 And cricket score Here