"I am not interested in representing Pakistan anymore" - Shoaib Malik

Veteran Pakistan batter Shoaib Malik has claimed that he is no longer interested in representing the Pakistan cricket team. Malik was not a part of the Pakistan squad that went to the T20 World Cup 2024 and crashed out in the group phase with losses to USA and India.

Malik shared that he has enjoyed every moment that he has represented the Pakistan team in the past. While he hasn't announced his retirement from the T20I format, he doesn't want to keep himself in contention for future selections.

Here's what Shoaib Malik told Cricket Pakistan (via journalist Salim Khaliq):

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"I am happy and satisfied after playing for so many years and no, I am not interested in representing Pakistan anymore. I have already retired from two formats and the one format that is remaining, I enjoy playing in the leagues wherever I get the opportunity."

Malik had said in his past interviews too that when he would retire, it would be from all forms of cricket. He reiterated that he was no longer interested in playing for the national team.

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Shoaib Malik's stance on Babar Azam being the captain

Shoaib Malik has been pretty vocal about his criticism of Pakistan captain Babar Azam, especially after Pakistan's T20 World Cup debacle. He feels Babar should focus on giving his best as a batter and get away from captaincy.

On this, Malik stated (via Cricket Pakistan):

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“Ups and downs are a part of life, especially when you are a cricketer from the subcontinent. He needs to stay strong during this time. As for his captaincy, my firm stance is that he should play only as a player. That’s my opinion. When he plays as a player, he can do wonders for the team. But in my opinion, he should stay away from leadership."

Malik last played a T20I for Pakistan way back in November 2021 against Bangladesh.

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