Why are people remembering Shoaib Malik: Afridi raises questions at Pakistan's squad 

Shoaib Malik last played a T20I for Pakistan against Bangladesh in November 2021 (Source: Twitter)

As Pakistan overcame the New Zealand challenge in the 2022 tri-series final, the performance of their middle-order came out as a big plus.

Not long before, there were demands to include veteran Shoaib Malik in the 2022 T20 World Cup squad. However, with the likes of Mohammad Nawaz and Haider Ali starting to step up, the debate seems to be settled for now.

Meanwhile, former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi commented on the issue, citing how Malik's comeback demands were fueled by the dismal show of the Pakistan middle-order.

"We give chances to new people, and when they don't perform, we start remembering the old ones. Why are people remembering Shoaib Malik? It's because the newer guys aren't performing. People also tell me that I can still play for Pakistan. But for me, that chapter is over," Afridi said as quoted on Samaa TV.

Whenever I get a chance, I will try to make the best out of it: Malik

The out-of-favour Malik did not seem miffed despite his axing as Cricket Pakistan quoted him as saying,

"My job is to play cricket whenever I get the opportunity. It's team management's call to pick me up or not. Whenever I get a chance, I will try to make the best out of it. I don't have a problem with anyone and I am not against anyone because being positive has been a major reason behind the success of my career."

Notably, Babar Azam and Co. will kickstart their World Cup campaign against India on October 23 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

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