Former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has lamented the way Shoaib Malik has been treated of late. After being ignored for Asia Cup 2022, the 40-year-old Malik failed to make the national squad for the T20 World Cup, slated to be played later this year in Australia.
Earlier this year, in January, Hafeez announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket. The veteran said that he had advised Malik to retire back then.
Mohammad Hafeez credits Shoaib Malik for maintaining top-level fitness for over two decades
Hafeez gave plaudits to Malik for maintaining a great level of fitness and playing top-level cricket for over two decades. Malik made his international debut back in 1999 and last donned the green outfit back in November 2021 against Bangladesh.
In 35 Tests, 287 ODIs and 124 T20Is, the dynamic right-hander had scored 1898, 7534 and 2435 respectively, comprising of 12 centuries and 61 half-centuries.
Mohammad Hafeez. Pic Credits: TwitterHafeez was quoted as saying to Cricket Pakistan, “Malik gave his best to Pakistan for about 21-22 years and maintaining your fitness standards for that long is absolutely remarkable.”
“When I took my retirement, I told Malik to take retirement as well because I knew that he will not be respected as it was also evident in my case. My understanding was that he wanted one last standing but cricket is cruel like this,” he added.
Shoaib Malik deserves a fitting farewell, reckons Mohammad Hafeez
Malik last represented Pakistan in ODI cricket back in 2019 during the World Cup in England and Wales. Hafeez, who also played in the tournament, reckoned that the PCB should have arranged a farewell match for Malik three years ago.
