LAHORE: Veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik has said that he has once again lost interest in playing international cricket for Pakistan.
Malik, who has already retired from two formats, said in an interview to a local sports website that his days in international cricket are over.
“No, I’m happy and satisfied after so many years of playing. I am not interested in playing for Pakistan again,” Malik stated.
“I have already announced my departure from two formats. I’m playing league cricket and I’m enjoying my time, wherever I get an opportunity to play I try to take advantage of it.”
When asked about his retirement from international T20 cricket, the former captain stated that he would hang up his boots completely from all forms of cricket.
“I am not interested, but as I have said in my previous interviews, I will announce my retirement from all forms of cricket once and for all,” he said.
On the other hand, he suggested Babar Azam to step down as white ball captain. He urged him to focus only on his bat.
“As far as his captaincy is concerned, my firm stand is that [Babar Azam] should only play as a player. This is my opinion. When he plays as a player, he can do wonders for the team. He should stay away from management,” he added.
Shoaib Malik has represented Pakistan in 35 Tests, 287 ODIs and 124 T20Is since his international debut in 1999. He has scored over 11,000 runs across three formats and has taken a total of 218 wickets.
He is the second highest run scorer in T20s with 13,360 runs, only behind West Indies legend Chris Gayle who scored 14,562 runs.
