If Babar Azam wants me to play, I will play: Shoaib Malik 

image-l8w4a083Shoaib Malik has been on the sidelines from the last World Cup ( PC- Twitter)

Veteran Pakistan batter Shoaib Malik has revealed that he will play for Pakistan only if the captain Babar Azam wants him back in the side.

Malik, who hasn’t been picked for T20 World Cup 2022, last played for Pakistan in November 2021 and since then has been a notable absentee from the team.

Speaking in an interview with Cricket Pakistan, the ex-Pakistan skipper has commented that he does not wish to play anymore, but if Babar wants him back in the side, he will always be available to turn up for his nation.

"He (Babar Azam) asked me if I want to continue playing or take retirement during the last world cup, to which I said that I don't want to play anymore. If he wants me to play, I will play. I have always been available for Pakistan and I still am," 

He also highlighted how he asked for clarity from his skipper.

"I asked Babar (Azam) to tell me if I should be selected for the series or selected matches and that he should make this deal with and not with someone else. If you think that I can play, then I am available," 

The Men in Green were recently beaten by England at home in a seven-match T20I series 4-3, with the final game at Lahore turning out to be the decisive one. In the final game, Pakistan's batting woes continued yet again when they lost their stalwarts Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan quickly while chasing 210. The target turned out to be a herculean task as the middle-order faltered again and which ultimately led Pakistan to a defeat.

Pakistan need Malik back in the side

Malik is the second-most capped T20I cricketer in the world currently and had led Pakistan during their runners-up finish in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, before being a part of the team that lifted the trophy in 2009. 

In the 2021 edition of the World Cup, the middle-order accumulated 100 runs at a strike-rate of blistering strike rate of 181.82 during Pakistan’s run to the semi-final. 

Despite having a decorated T20 career, he is on the sidelines when Pakistan needs him the most. Many former cricketers questioned Malik's snub from the T20 World Cup 2022 squad after the middle-order's dismal show in the last series.

Pakistan's over-dependence on the openers- Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan has become a recognisable pattern in the team, and it needs to be solved.

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