Summary Team needs the leadership of Misbah and Younis - not me, says Malik
LAHORE (Web Desk) – Veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik has surprisingly announced retirement from Test cricket during third day of 3rd Test, said that he wants to focus on One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty 20s.
After taking toughest decision of life, all-rounder said in his blog that he has plenty of Test cricket left in him but his main focus is World Cup 2019. “Sure I can play test for quite a few more years, and my performance during this series made me more confident with my abilities as a utility player”, said Malik.
"...team needs the leadership of Misbah and Younis – not me"
-Shoaib Malik
“I can confirm that the team needs the leadership of Misbah and Younis – not me. Also what the team needs is a much younger talent who can play with the seniors, learn and get grooming around tons of experience. I’m giving up my spot for new talent, the likes of Babar Azam, Muhammad Rizwan, Sohaib Maqsood, Harris Sohail, and many others”, he added.
I’m giving up my spot for new talent...
-Malik
Malik believes that family is important for him and he wants to take retirement to spend quality time with them.
I have decided to retire from Test Cricket, will post my retirement blog soon. Please remember me in your Duas, love you all & thank you
— Shoaib Malik (@realshoaibmalik) November 3, 2015 It is pertinent to mention here that Malik was selected for Test squad after a gap of five years and he announced his retirement midway through the series.
