Shoaib Malik Harbours T20 World Cup Aspirations Aged 41

image-lpatwk9pShoaib Malik last played a T20I for Pakistan back in November 2021 (Twitter)

Shoaib Malik is hoping the spree of changes made in Pakistan cricket following the painstaking ICC World Cup 2023 exit could allow him to make an unexpected return to the national colours ahead of the next T20 World Cup in the Caribbean & USA. 

With Pakistan opting for a complete overhaul of selection panel, coaching group and on-field leadership, Malik, aged 41, has reinforced aspirations of playing for the country as a T20I specialist ahead of the next major ICC event in June 2024. 

Retired from Tests and ODIs, the veteran former skipper has been plying his trade in domestic T20 leagues, including the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and keeping himself superfit to ensure he still has a toe in the door. 

Malik's hopes would've raised with the appointment of former pacer Wahab Riaz as the chief selector with Riaz having previously criticised his ouster from the T20I side on a national TV channel in a debate on age as a factor in selection matters. 


Ageing Malik Retains T20 World Cup 2024 Hopes 

Malik, who was seen doing expert duties for 'A Sports' throughout the World Cup 2023, had previously stood vocal in expressing his wish to still play for Pakistan and continues to work extensively hard on maintaining great fitness standards despite crossing 40. 

Having last turned up for Pakistan in November 2021, the middle-order stalwart will be making a return to domestic cricket via the National T20 Cup, starting November 24. Malik will play for Sialkot region. 

Speaking to the media last week, the 41-year-old had said communication with him from the PCB regime will be key to him committing to a potential comeback and continuing to put in the hard yards in the domestic circuit. 

"If I will be given clarity and will be asked to play, then I will definitely consider," Malik said. "It isn't like I am playing cricket because I want to play in the 2024 World Cup. I am playing cricket because I enjoy playing cricket and I can play cricket."