‘I’m gonna keep playing cricket’ - Veteran Pakistan cricketer eyeing for comeback to national team

Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik gave a clear statement and announced that he has no plans to retire from international cricket. There were talks about Malik's future given his age and the number of years he has played cricket. However, he is more than ready and roaring to go.

The right-handed allrounder said that he may be the oldest member of any team around the world, but he can still openly challenge any youngster for any physical fitness test. He said that he will continue to play cricket and he is not even thinking of retiring.

“Trust me, even though I’m the oldest in the team, you can compare my fitness with a 25-year old. So, I guess what motivates me is I still enjoy coming to the ground and I still think that the hunger is there and until the time these two things are there, I’m gonna keep playing cricket and this is why I am not even thinking of retiring,” Malik, who is playing in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League, told reporters at the Sylhet International Stadium.

I have already retired from Tests and ODIs: Shoaib Malik

Malik also said that he believed he still has plenty of cricket left in him and also has a lot to give and serve Pakistan cricket. He said he will think about retirement at some point, but that time is not now. Interestingly, Shoaib Malik made his debut for his national side in the year 1999.

“I would like to retire from internationals and complete cricket once and for all but right now I’m not even thinking about it and I am enjoying my cricket whenever I get an opportunity I do go and play. I have already retired from Tests and ODIs but in T20s, I’m still very much available and wherever I get my opportunity I will give my best shot.”

Malik said that he is not affected by the changes happening in Pakistan cricket. “I’m a cricketer and seen enough in my life now and these things don’t bother me and I guess as an athlete it is a message for all athletes that when you are playing a team game don’t think who is in your favour and who is not in your favour,” Malik said.