‘25-year-old’ Malik hunts for more T20 glory
Shoaib Malik, BCB
|| CF DESK ||
New Zealand hammer Pakistan by 43 runs to sweep ODI series 3-0
5 Apr 25
Veteran Pakistani all-rounder Shoaib Malik, 40, proclaimed that he is as physically fit as a 25-year-old, who is one of Rangpur Riders' top run scorers in the current Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
Malik, who made his international debut for Pakistan in 1999, stated that as long as he continues to enjoy the game, he has no plans to hang up his boots. He also expressed a desire to join the T20I national team once more.
"Trust me, even though I am the oldest in the team, you can compare my fitness with a 25-year-old. What motivates me is I still enjoy coming to the ground and I still think that the hunger is there. As long as these two things are there, I am going to keep playing which is why I am not even thinking of retiring, Malik told the reporters in Sylhet on Sunday.
"I would retire from cricket once and for all but right now, my process and thoughts are not there, and at this moment, I am enjoying my cricket wherever I get an opportunity. I already retired from ODI and Test cricket but I am still very much available for the T20 format. Wherever I get the opportunity, I am giving my best," he added.
Since the early 2000s, Malik has participated in domestic cricket matches in Bangladesh and enjoys it here. The all-around player, however, claimed that he doesn't like the heavy traffic in this region of the world.
"I love the people of Bangladesh. They are very loving people and support their team. I love the food here, especially the fish. Even the players in Bangladesh are lovely people and they want to improve their game. It's a complete package when I come to Bangladesh. I have only one complaint and that is the traffic," he said.
Malik, who has followed Bangladesh cricket for a long time, recognized how far the sport has progressed and how it has changed as a result of several players earning international recognition.
"I guess a lot of things have changed and a lot of Bangladeshi players have got recognition around the world. They are getting opportunities all over the world in leagues and they are also get success. I guess one area they can improve is when they play abroad and if they are provided with consistent opportunities, they can improve their game and be good abroad," said Malik.
