T20: Hafeez expresses concern for Shoaib Malik
“It is a shame that player like Shoaib Malik isn’t the part of T20”, says Hafeez
Veteran batsman Shoaib Malik is not in Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad and is unlikely to be given a farewell match after his recent tweet highlighting friendships, likes and dislikes within the team.
His former teammate Mohammad Hafeez hailed Shoaib Malik’s contribution to Pakistan and advised the 40-year-old to retire together.
“Malik was at his best for Pakistan for 21-22 years and it’s absolutely remarkable to maintain his fitness for so long,” Hafeez said.
“When I retired, I told Malik to retire too because I knew he was not respected, as was also in my case. I understand that ‘he wanted a last place, but cricket is so cruel,’ he added.
Hafeez also recalled an incident in which he suggested the team’s management in the 2019 World Cup give Malik a farewell match when he announced he would be leaving the game with 50 lefts.
“Unfortunately, even when he announced his retirement from ODI cricket, the farewell match was not given because he realized the match should have been given. Our management has always been up to par when it comes to greeting them, “he insisted.
T20: Hafeez expresses concern for Shoaib Malik
Hafeez further added that it is a shame that a player like Shoaib Malik is not part of the T20 World Cup.
“If he had participated in the World Cup the team would have a senior player, not to mention he can’t play cut or pull, he remembers that he has been playing cricket for 22 years, so he hasn’t played those shots? We have to understand; We need real cricketers who we can make winning combinations with, whether he’s 40 or 20.”
