Malik: Don’t know why I was dropped
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|| CF DESK ||
Shoaib Malik, the veteran all-rounder who last represented Pakistan in a T20I match against England in 2020, is still unsure of the reason for his absence from the T20I squad.
In an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan, Malik stated that he is playing well and that his fitness is adequate, which should be the first factor for selection.
“I don’t understand why I was dropped from the team. I don’t want to drag this issue. It doesn’t matter how much your age is. You should meet the team’s criteria in terms of performance, fitness. Most importantly, as a senior player if you keep the environment of dressing room healthy and respect your management and young players, then nothing else matters,” Malik said.
“Mohammad Hafeez is performing very well for the team and I have seen him guide the new players. If a senior player like him is in your team, then it gives confidence to team management and players,” he added.
Malik was also optimistic about playing the upcoming T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be played in October.
“I still believe that I can be useful in the T20 format. I’m not thinking that I won’t play the [T20] World Cup, I’m still hopeful about featuring in the World Cup and giving my all. I have always performed to the best of my ability for my teammates and my team but I don’t like to create fuss. I just stick to one direction and give it my best shot. Whenever a young captain, young player and management has needed me, I have always been available,” he said.
