Just In: Pakistan all-format captain Baber Azam eliminates all the chances and predictions of Shoaib Malik’s comeback to the T20 World Cup Squad, stating that Pakistan needs to create opportunities for young players to grow.
Shoaib Malik is the most experienced all-rounder on Pakistan National Team. However, it’s been almost a year since Malik played his last T20I against Bangladesh in November. Nevertheless, Malik’s performances in Domestic T20 Leagues impressed every cricket fan.
Unfortunately, the senior fella has failed to impress the Selection Committee ahead of Asia Cup 2022 and T20 World Cup in Australia. The 40-year-old cricketer is not added to Asia Cup’s squad, depsite the fact that many experts predict that Malik could turn out to be a valuable asset for the Pakistan team in the upcoming events.
While talking to the media on the sidelines of pre-tour training camp, Baber ruled out the chances of Malik’s return to the Pakistan squad. Pakistan Cricket Team is scheduled to tour the Netherlands for 3-ODI match series.
Baber opined, “there are games right following the tour of Netherlands, so it is doubtful there will be time for adjustments. When senior players leave the team, those who take their place must concentrate on performance.”
“We will miss Mohammad Hafeez and Malik a lot, and players like Khusdil Shah, Asif Ali, and Iftikhar Ahmed must fill their shoes. We would like to give them more than enough matches and faith, and these individuals have performed”, further added by the Skipper.
Baber Azam also expressed his thoughts about the speedy recovery of Shaheen Afridi. Afridi, who suffered an injury in a test match against Sri Lanka, has been ruled out of Netherlands’ tour. However, Baber expected that Afridi would join the squad before Asia Cup 2022.