Dubai: When Shoaib Malik took the field for Pakistan at the Twenty20 World Cup, which was 39 years old, it could be forgiven because he felt his age.
When Malik made an international debut in 1999, teammates today such as Pace Spearheads Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Wairim Junior, and Batsman Haider Ali were even born.
Deputy captain Shadab Khan was only one while the captain of Babar Azam and colleague All-Rounder Ali had just turned five.
Malik, still struggling, played internationally one day against West Indies in Sharjah in October 1999.
Legendary Paceman Wudiim Akram, who led Pakistan in the first match of Malik, retirement 18 years ago.
“I remember when Malik came to the Pakistani team in 1999,” Wasim Akram told AFP.
“I picked him up, he was a thin man aged 16-17 years and I originally picked him up solely as a bowler and as a Fielder and never knew that he could really be very good.” Malik, however, is not the oldest player in the World Cup – Chris Gayle, 42, who made his ODI debut a month before Malik, would look for a stream of West Indies to the third T20 title.
“He (Malik) turned out to be a savior for Pakistan in limited cricket-overs.
Even now, when you talk about fitness, he is extraordinary and trained so extensively,” added Wasim.
“I think young players must see it as a role because he is still competing with them in domestic events and it shows how strong it is mentally.” He looks good and it shows he wants to go high.
“Former Team-Mate and captain Shahid Afridi also believed Malik could contribute when Pakistan went looking for the second T20 World Cup title.” Nice to see Shoaib Malik be recalled for the T20 World Cup, “said Afridi.” As a senior and experienced player, he can contribute.
Great time for Pakistan.
“Babar Azam believes Malik will have a key role and beyond the field in the United Arab Emirates.” His experience will be an asset.
He is still one of the most suitable troops, “said Babar on Sunday.” We must make a plan to put it in play XI.
“Malik, whose career has seen a series of ups and downs, led by Pakistan runner-up finish at the World Cup twenty20 in 2007.
He is a member of the 2009 title winning team and, after missing the 2010 event, featured in the last three editions.
Despite the call from fans for fans for The inclusion for the inclusion of the showpiece, Malik was not everywhere close to the squad selection until last month.
The 225 walked in seven domestic T20 matches strengthened the case but it was only after the top-order SOHAIB MAQSOOD was ruled out with a back problem that sneaked into the squad Above the last minute want to play the World Cup and go upstairs, “he said.
Pak Istan started their T20 World Cup campaign Against Indian old rivals in Dubai on Sunday.