[PICTURES/VIDEOS] "Though I am the oldest in the team, you can compare my fitness with a 25-year-old": Shoaib Malik

[MenInG]

"Though I am the oldest in the team, you can compare my fitness with a 25-year-old": Shoaib Malik

Speaking to reporters

"Trust me, even though I am the oldest in the team, you can compare my fitness with a 25-year-old. What motivates me is I still enjoy coming to the ground and I still think that the hunger is there. As long as these two things are there, I am going to keep playing which is why I am not even thinking of retiring,"

"I would retire from cricket once and for all but right now, my process and thoughts are not there, and at this moment, I am enjoying my cricket wherever I get an opportunity. I already retired from ODI and Test cricket but I am still very much available for the T20 format. Wherever I get the opportunity, I am giving my best,"

https://cricketpakistan.com.pk/en/n...25-year-old-malik-not-thinking-about-retiring

 

[Mirpur express]

No thanks

 

[Markhor]

Yes but you play any pacer above 125kph like an 85 year old.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Dhoni, Sehwag etc all made their debuts after Shoaib Malik. Its been a long time since those ATGs retired from international cricket. And here we have Sir Shoaib Malik who just can't accept the reality that he is 40 and still wants to play for Pakistan. Fans call Babar Azam selfish but Malik is the one who is actually selfish these days.

 

[Kianig89]

Shoaib Malik is a phenomenon a role model for sports person not only in Pakistan but whole of Asia

 

[Hitman]

There's a certain thing called reflexes that get slower with time. Even Viv Richards fell victim to it during the last 3 years of his career.

 

[Concerned]

His fitness is brilliant, no doubt about that.

However, as we saw in his final games he is no longer able to play against decent fast bowling. He will struggle to dominate them.

 

[SamNJ]

Reflexes do slow down at some point. Ponting was a great athlete even in 2013 but he started struggling against 145 kmph pace after 2007-08 and Ponting was a beast against Pace in his prime. Shoaib was never so good against pace, will be even worse now

 

[LegendAli]

Someone tell this guy barring the AFG series, there are no T20s for a long time now.

What a joker. Good riddance.

 

[topspin]

Yes but you play any pacer above 125kph like an 85 year old.

Facts

 

[Rana]

Dude move on. Keep playing your T20 leagues and picking up the pay cheques

 

[Saj]

I thought he was retiring.

Seems like a lot if uncertainty regarding his retirement - on, off, on!

 

[Zaz]

Whats he playing on for? Hes about 45 Whats left for him to achieve after 24 years since his intnl debut?

Play your leagues but retire and leave pakistan cricket

Hes not doing anyone any favours but himself by dragging out his intnl career

Its selfish

 

[hitthestump]

I don't see the point of the criticism. It's his choice when he wants to retire.

While we have the likes of Khushdil Shah, Shan Masood and Asif Ali on the fringes of selection then why should he give up on his goal of representing Pakistan again? He has a legitimate chance to break in if he has a superb PSL.

If Chacha can play when he is around the same age as Malik then we can't punish a guy for being honest.

 

[Bilal Ahmad15]

He should've also said:

"Though I am the oldest in the team, you can compare my selfishness with a 5-year-old"

 

[TheSultan]

Another mediocre player who wants to carry on because he’s had an unfulfilled career due to his lack of ability.

Misbah, Azhar, Malik, Hafeez we have too many of these bums who just refuse to leave. Common denominator - all mediocre

 

[Hawkeye]

Yes but you play any pacer above 125kph like an 85 year old.

THIS.

/thread.

 

[Champ_Pal]

Malik is blessed with strong genetics. He still looks fit in the videos I saw. Not many cricketers over 40 can claim that.

 

[proud_pakistani]

He should become a padel tennis player instead.

 

[umerz]

You can't hate him for keeping himself fit and playing T20 leagues. It is just that he wants to be part of National ODI and T20 teams because new players haven't been able to establish themselves the way they should have. If he was an Indian, he would have retired long ago due to available talent Indians have at their disposal

 

[Zaz]

I don't see the point of the criticism. It's his choice when he wants to retire.

While we have the likes of Khushdil Shah, Shan Masood and Asif Ali on the fringes of selection then why should he give up on his goal of representing Pakistan again? He has a legitimate chance to break in if he has a superb PSL.

If Chacha can play when he is around the same age as Malik then we can't punish a guy for being honest.

Honest? Malik is in his mid 40s I dont believe he was 17 when he made his debut for pakistan

The point is hes played the game for pakistan and had his time Now he shouldnt be taking the space of a deserving younger player who can serve pakistan for the next 10 years

By making himself available and pakistan going back to him time and time again we are not doing anyone any favours by delaying the inevitable

Like my status said if pakistan wants to move forward it needs to stop going back

 

[Arabian_Tiger]

Malik apna maaliqana haq le ke rahenge.

 

[hitthestump]

Honest? Malik is in his mid 40s I dont believe he was 17 when he made his debut for pakistan

The point is hes played the game for pakistan and had his time Now he shouldnt be taking the space of a deserving younger player who can serve pakistan for the next 10 years

By making himself available and pakistan going back to him time and time again we are not doing anyone any favours by delaying the inevitable

Like my status said if pakistan wants to move forward it needs to stop going back

If it's between him and a deserving youngster then sure.

But if it's between him and Haider Ali and Shoaib is coming off blistering form then....who knows? Maybe he could still do a job for us in a WC.

I do agree it should be very very hard for him to get back into the side though. The standards should be higher for an older player in the same way they are for an overweight player.

 

[daytrader]

Happy Birthday to the ageless Shoaib Malik. The legend has played cricket across 4 decades now.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OnThisDay?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OnThisDay</a> in 1982. Shoaib Malik was born in Sialkot:<br><br>Played international cricket across 4 decades <br>Captained Pakistan <br>World T20 winner <br>Champions Trophy winner <br>35 Tests <br>287 ODIs <br>124 T20Is <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/RtN1dPXgEa">pic.twitter.com/RtN1dPXgEa</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1620708464933896192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">- Thankyou, for all your warm birthday wishes & messages...<br>On 3rd February I will be playing my 500th T20 match, I’m really looking forward to that. <br>Once again, thank you for showing your love & support towards me as always. <br>Love you all,<br>Shoaib Malik <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PakistanZindabad?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PakistanZindabad</a> <a href="https://t.co/ws6r3XLnvZ">pic.twitter.com/ws6r3XLnvZ</a></p>— Shoaib Malik &#55356;&#56821;&#55356;&#56816; (@realshoaibmalik) <a href="https://twitter.com/realshoaibmalik/status/1621146535529697283?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">- Thankyou, for all your warm birthday wishes & messages...<br>On 3rd February I will be playing my 500th T20 match, I’m really looking forward to that. <br>Once again, thank you for showing your love & support towards me as always. <br>Love you all,<br>Shoaib Malik <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PakistanZindabad?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PakistanZindabad</a> <a href="https://t.co/ws6r3XLnvZ">pic.twitter.com/ws6r3XLnvZ</a></p>— Shoaib Malik ���� (@realshoaibmalik) <a href="https://twitter.com/realshoaibmalik/status/1621146535529697283?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Playing his 500th T20 at the moment.

 

[Local.Dada]

He is not wrong about his fitness. I look at my transformation from the time Malik made his debut to now it seems I have aged a lifetime but this guy keeps going on and on.

Maybe played a few international games too many but Carries himself well and apart from that foot in mouth during 2007 WT20 final presentation he is usually is controversy-free and diplomatic. Also his fitness is exemplary. Can’t find a better role model for young Pakistani cricketers.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Shoaib Malik receiving a guard of honour on his 500th T20 match <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BPL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BPL</a> <a href="https://t.co/bnNiVW4UtJ">pic.twitter.com/bnNiVW4UtJ</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1621505500012769281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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[charlie007]

This is amazing! Playing professional cricket at 40 while maintaining his fitness is something to behold. So much cricket takes a toll on the body. He may not be as good as he was in his pomp, but given he's still in demand across T20 leagues who have access to the world's best and young players, you have to give it to him.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">- Had some quality time in Bangladesh for BPL 2023..I'm very grateful to my team <a href="https://twitter.com/RangpurRider?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RangpurRider</a>, and to all of the fans for their continued hospitality.<br><br>Heading to &#55356;&#56821;&#55356;&#56816; now for the HBL PSL 8 &#55356;&#57295;,very excited to play for the Kings again! <a href="https://t.co/LMMmJrnIjg">pic.twitter.com/LMMmJrnIjg</a></p>— Shoaib Malik &#55356;&#56821;&#55356;&#56816; (@realshoaibmalik) <a href="https://twitter.com/realshoaibmalik/status/1621944232112955392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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[Kroll]

This is amazing! Playing professional cricket at 40 while maintaining his fitness is something to behold. So much cricket takes a toll on the body. He may not be as good as he was in his pomp, but given he's still in demand across T20 leagues who have access to the world's best and young players, you have to give it to him.

And to add coming fresh from being a talk show host with his wife in Dubai. What a professional Shobby is.

 

[charlie007]

And to add coming fresh from being a talk show host with his wife in Dubai. What a professional Shobby is.

What has that gotta do with professional cricket and him being fit?

 

[da_don]

shoib malik clinging on to ”comeback” hopes like many before hin.. we just dont know when to call it quits… playing since 1999, only fitness wont get you runs ir wickets.. he should play leagues and gracefully retire.. be a mentor or commentator… why keep a youngster out of the side for pure selfishness.. i dont understand.. he hasnt exactly been a match winner on his own..

 

[MenInG]

Going strong

 

[MenInG]

He didn't disappoint.

<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/e/7v3ajv" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="100%" allowfullscreen style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div>

 

[SalimBhai]

The man is in great shape great for t20 leagues. Not so good for international

 

[Rana]

His lack of urgency in the begging of his innings was costly

 

[pakistani pride]

He didn't disappoint.

<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.250%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/e/7v3ajv" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="100%" allowfullscreen style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div>

He did. Couldnt finish the game, even after getting dropped. Like most of the times, got out when the game was meant to be won.

 

[Zaz]

Once again feasted on the spinners but looked like a tailender against any sort of pace

 

[Saj]

His wicket was the key.

If he had stayed with Imad to the end KK would have won that match.

Brilliant partnership between the two, but they were let down by the top order and to a certain extent Cutting.

 

[FreakCricket]

Once again feasted on the spinners but looked like a tailender against any sort of pace

were we watching the same game, who destroyed Irshad ?

 

[MenInG]

Shoaib Malik in his presser:

"I want to take this opportunity to request that Iftikhar Ahmed should be part of Pakistan’s ODI team. The ODI World Cup is just round the corner and I have seen him play, he is playing really good cricket. The position at which he plays, we need a batsman like him at that position in ODIs.

"I want to clarify that I have taken retirement from Test and ODI cricket. I have no focus on those formats"

"I am still available in T20 format and my job is to perform. I want to play for Pakistan again, but I don’t have expectations from anyone. I want to score 15000 runs in T20s before I retire. Till then I want to enjoy playing cricket,"

"We should not put too much emphasis on age. If Novak Djokovic can win a grand slam at the age of 36, then we should see whether a person can compete with a youngster or not. We should also see if we don’t have to hide a senior player in the field or he doesn’t disturb dressing room’s environment"

"Shahrukh Khan did a movie recently, he was also looking like ‘old is gold’."

"Rules should be the same for everyone. There should not be different rules for aged players"

One thing should not be missing and that is respect. I have seen that Babar, Amir and Imad respect each other when they meet"

"The rivalry is healthy for the league. You should give your best when you are in the field. It is your responsibility how to motivate yourself. If something encourages you to get the best out of you, then you should definitely do that. The good thing is everyone respects each other and doesn’t cross the line"

 

[pakistani pride]

Going strong

Strong in?
Quantity is not quality

 

[Rana]

Strong in?
Quantity is not quality

He is still one of the best players of spin in Pakistan

 

[Zaz]

were we watching the same game, who destroyed Irshad ?

Irshad? Hes a slingy bowler who hardly gets the ball up above waist high

We all know malik is sitting duck against a decent quick bowler and or on a pitch that isnt dead


9

 

[MenInG]

50 for Shoaib Malik - he can win it for Karachi!

 

[Rana]

Too too casual

He’s failed to get them over the line twice now

 

[hitthestump]

Have we seen him face up against 150k's yet?

There's no doubt Malik has his strengths but we also know that at his age he isn't going to be able to play pure pace very well considering he could barely do it in his prime.

 

[Rana]

Malik is playing well but his personal intensity is rock bottom. He doesn’t have his heart anymore knowing he won’t be selected for Pakistan

 

[MenInG]

Not sure what Shoaib Malik was doing in the run-chase vs Multan?

Scored too slow and put pressure on Imad and others. Selfish innings?


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[gazza619]

Dumb this fitness Malik as this does not allow you to hit a boundary against 135 + kph bowlers.

The least valuable player of the tournament.

 

[Saj]

Malik 'anchoring' the innings today in the last few overs

Terrible effort.

 

[shamaan]

Why is Malil coming ahead of Imad In the death overs.

 

[Zaz]

Why is Malil coming ahead of Imad In the death overs.

Cos hes a senior

 

[hitthestump]

Why is Malil coming ahead of Imad In the death overs.

Because Imad doesn't want to face too many balls at the end. He prefers to lead from the back like a true coward.

We've this in this PSL Imad refuse to bowl more than 2 overs when the going was tough, and previously when he blocked Umer Khan from getting into the side when he was looking like a real talent.

Imad is a toxic, selfish individual and this is why he was ultimately outcasted from the Pakistan team despite being a better t20 player than Nawaz.

 

[shaz619]

Because Imad doesn't want to face too many balls at the end. He prefers to lead from the back like a true coward.

We've this in this PSL Imad refuse to bowl more than 2 overs when the going was tough, and previously when he blocked Umer Khan from getting into the side when he was looking like a real talent.

Imad is a toxic, selfish individual and this is why he was ultimately outcasted from the Pakistan team despite being a better t20 player than Nawaz.

Lead from the back haven’t heard of that one before

Imad is a good T20 player but Pakistan don’t need to move mountains for him given the other issues with him

 

[MenInG]

Malik is the perfect T20 League player. Give him a cheque and a uniform and he will play for any team.

 

[Rana]

Malik is the perfect T20 League player. Give him a cheque and a uniform and he will play for any team.

Exactly

He has no heart for the teams he represents

 

[topspin]

Because Imad doesn't want to face too many balls at the end. He prefers to lead from the back like a true coward.

We've this in this PSL Imad refuse to bowl more than 2 overs when the going was tough, and previously when he blocked Umer Khan from getting into the side when he was looking like a real talent.

Imad is a toxic, selfish individual and this is why he was ultimately outcasted from the Pakistan team despite being a better t20 player than Nawaz.

He could easily bat lower down at 8, rather than come in at 5, if what you're saying was even remotely true.

Also Imad is actually a better batsman in the latter overs.

 

[shamaan]

Cos hes a senior

That shouldn't matter the team should come first.

 

[shamaan]

Because Imad doesn't want to face too many balls at the end. He prefers to lead from the back like a true coward.

We've this in this PSL Imad refuse to bowl more than 2 overs when the going was tough, and previously when he blocked Umer Khan from getting into the side when he was looking like a real talent.

Imad is a toxic, selfish individual and this is why he was ultimately outcasted from the Pakistan team despite being a better t20 player than Nawaz.

Yes i agreed also dropping Qasim Akram after just 1 game.

 

[Kroll]

That shouldn't matter the team should come first.

It should but that's not how we roll in Pak cricket unfortunately.

 

[MenInG]

Shoaib Malik - another no-spirit innings - look at his dismissal tonight! Is this a senior player or someone on debut?

 

[Kroll]

His first two or three matches were good, gone to pot now. Batting more like a 75 year old than a 25 year old.

 

[MenInG]

His first two or three matches were good, gone to pot now. Batting more like a 75 year old than a 25 year old.

I cannot forgive this.

 

[badsha001]

Its like comparing fitness of marathon runner vs sprinters.

 

[daytrader]

Misbah in an interview with local reporters:

"Be it franchise cricket or the last time he played for Pakistan, Malik has performed during the last one and a half years,"

"I am surprised to see that he has failed to cash his form in this PSL season. Although he has started playing according to modern-day cricket and can accelerate with a strike rate of 140-150, he hasn't performed much in this edition"

"I think he has remained unlucky because, if you see, he started off well with two fifties. But then, whenever he got in, Karachi needed runs at a run rate of over 10. I think that is the reason why he always remained under pressure,"

"Everyone is their own judge. It depends on him whether he wants to play or takes retirement. I feel he is fit and committed to his game. If he thinks so, he can go and play franchise cricket"

 

[Cric1234]

He hasn’t been unlucky he didn’t play according to the match situation which required quick runs instead wasting balls hoping to make up for it later costing his team a few crucial wins.

 

[tahir_dj]

He always find a most unusual way of getting out.

The guy should give it a rest on dream of Playing for Pakistan
Should simply shut his mouth and stick to these leagues

 

[Rana]

He always find a most unusual way of getting out.

The guy should give it a rest on dream of Playing for Pakistan
Should simply shut his mouth and stick to these leagues

Exactly

Hafeez is still better than him. He’s enjoying the buffets in PSL dining rooms. No stress

 

[Rana]

I cannot forgive this.

Iconic

A picture of KK’s campaign

 

[shamaan]

He hasn’t been unlucky he didn’t play according to the match situation which required quick runs instead wasting balls hoping to make up for it later costing his team a few crucial wins.

That's were imad should take some criticism.

 

[Suleiman]

Blame KK and their stupid and idiotic picks in the draft. Selecting a 40+ year old guy on status and selecting zero overseas players of caliber. As well as missing out on a bunch of local talent.

KK needs to go defunct and a new franchise needs to be created with a new bid to give to a new owner. ARY guy is doing nothing with this franchise.

 

[Kroll]

If malik doesn't come in when the spinners are on then he shouldn't come in at all.

Had to reply here so not to derail the Imad Wasim thread. Yeah Malik was a big let down after backing the guy. Think he should retire and concentrate on his talk show with his missus.

 

[shamaan]

Had to reply here so not to derail the Imad Wasim thread. Yeah Malik was a big let down after backing the guy. Think he should retire and concentrate on his talk show with his missus.

I still think Malik can become a coach once he retires.

 

[Saj]

Very poor PSL and one of the reasons for KK's struggles.

Looked laboured with the bat mostly in a key batting position.

 

[topspin]

Misbah in an interview with local reporters:

"Be it franchise cricket or the last time he played for Pakistan, Malik has performed during the last one and a half years,"

"I am surprised to see that he has failed to cash his form in this PSL season. Although he has started playing according to modern-day cricket and can accelerate with a strike rate of 140-150, he hasn't performed much in this edition"

"I think he has remained unlucky because, if you see, he started off well with two fifties. But then, whenever he got in, Karachi needed runs at a run rate of over 10. I think that is the reason why he always remained under pressure,"

"Everyone is their own judge. It depends on him whether he wants to play or takes retirement. I feel he is fit and committed to his game. If he thinks so, he can go and play franchise cricket"

Not shocked to see Misbah back another veteran.

 

[MenInG]

Shoaib Malik whilst speaking to media:

"If I will be given clarity and will be asked to play, then I will definitely consider,"

"It isn't like I am playing cricket because I want to play in the 2024 World Cup. I am playing cricket because I enjoy playing cricket and I can play cricket,”

 

[FearlessRoar]

Today match against Multan Region in National T20 Cup, Shoaib Malik showed all round performance by scoring 42(36) and taken 2 wickets while conceding just 23 runs in 4 runs, resulting Sialkot victory in super over.