When will Shoaib Malik retire?

Shoaib Maik’s retirement has been a frenzy topic since he has not been considered by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the Asia Cup 2022 squad. Although his last month’s statements clarified that he finds himself fit to represent Pakistan for two more years, he also had narrated that he will retire if the team does not need him for future events.

Malik feels age is just a number, and he carries that potential to feature in future clashes. He does not find himself a liability but a player who performs on a higher note. According to his last month’s declaration,

“As I said, I have clear and open communication with Babar. I have not made up my mind about the World Cup because I want to retire with respect. If Babar asks me to play, then I will play; otherwise I will step aside respectfully,”

However, if or not Malik is retiring after facing the disappointment of being dropped from the Asia Cup 2022 squad is still a question to many. To clear all the confusion, the manager of the veteran all-rounder took the concern to Twitter. He has narrated to all those publishing baseless stories to verify their facts while clarifying that Malik has no plan to retire.

The statement reads,

Attention: For all those asking #ShoaibMalik is not announcing his retirement; he is super fit and available to play for Pakistan. If & when he does you all will get to know. Please verify your resources & avoid spreading baseless rumours

– Attention: For all those asking #ShoaibMalik is not announcing his retirement, he is super fit and available to play for Pakistan.

If & when he does you all will get to know. Please verify your resources & avoid spreading baseless rumors… #Cricket #Pakistan

— Arsalan H. Shah (@arsalanhshah) August 16, 2022

Malik was last seen playing a T20I match against Bangladesh in 2021. Whereas his last ODI appearance was versus India during the ICC World Cup 2019. He made himself available for selection before the Asia Cup 2022 squads were to be finalized and announced but was nowhere on the field for almost a year. This might be one of the reasons why the board did not consider him before announcing the squad.

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