Shoaib Malik announces retirement ahead of PSL 11

Veteran batter Shoaib Malik has announced his retirement from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) ahead of landmark season 11.

Shoaib shared the news on his social media handle, recalling cherished memories over the past decade.

“I cherish every single moment and friendship I have made on and off the field throughout my 10 years of the Pakistan Super League as a player,” he wrote.

 

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“It’s time to call it a day. However, my passion and motivation to serve for the betterment of cricket will always stay. Thank you PSL.”

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For the unversed, Shoaib Malik has been a mainstay of the PSL since its very beginning, having represented four different franchises – Karachi Kings, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, and Quetta Gladiators. He played his last match for Quetta Gladiators in PSL X.

He is currently the fourth-leading run-scorer in the history of the PSL, accumulating a total of 2,350 runs with an average of 33.09 across 92 games.

In addition to his batting prowess, Malik has also showcased his all-round capabilities, taking 17 wickets over the years.

Overall, Malik is the sixth-highest run getter in T20 cricket with 13571 runs to his name.  The right-hander has notched up 83 half-centuries at a strike rate of 127.24.

Besides his T20 career, Malik was a key member of Pakistan’s 2009 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup-winning squad and captained the national side in all three formats during his career.

In total, the all-rounder played 446 international matches for Pakistan, accumulating 11867 runs with the help of 12 centuries and 61 half-centuries alongside 218 scalps.

READ: New Zealand suffer injury setbacks ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

Salman Agha, Shan Masood, Shoaib Malik sign up for BPL 2026 auction

Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha, Test captain Shan Masood, and veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik are among the 42 Pakistan cricketers registered for the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2026 auction.

The BPL players’ auction is set for November 30, with 245 overseas players already categorised for the event.

Meanwhile, the tournament is scheduled to be played from 26 December 2025 and will conclude on 23 January 2026.

The BPL 2026 will see a reduction in teams from seven to five. Dhaka Capitals and Rangpur Riders remain, while Chattogram Royals, Rajshahi Warriors, and Sylhet Titans enter under new ownership after Chittagong Kings, Durbar Rajshahi, and Sylhet Strikers exited.

Defending champions Fortune Barishal and Khulna Tigers will not participate this season.

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The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) confirmed the participating teams but has yet to release details regarding the new ownership structures.

The auction will feature 245 overseas players across five categories, A, B, C, D, and E, from which franchises will select talent for the season.

Ahead of the auction, several players have already been directly signed by franchises.

Pakistan spinner Abrar Ahmed joins the newly rebranded Chattogram Royals, while opening batter Saim Ayub has been secured by Sylhet Titans, alongside Moeen Ali, Mohammad Amir, and Azmatullah Omarzai.

International stars have also been pre-signed, including England’s Alex Hales and Pakistan’s Usman Khan by Dhaka Capitals, and Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis by Noakhali Express.

Pakistan players registered for BPL 2026 auction

Category A

  • Abdul Samad – Batter
  • Zaman Khan – Bowler
  • Mohammad Hasnain – Bowler
  • Usama Mir – Bowler
  • Shoaib Malik – Allrounder
  • Shan Masood – Batter
  • Salman Ali Agha – Allrounder
  • Mohammad Wasim – Allrounder
  • Mohammad Haris – Wicketkeeper
  • Aamer Jamal – Allrounder

Category B

  • Asif Ali – Batter
  • Salman Mirza – Bowler
  • Saud Shakeel – Batter

Category C

  • Ali Raza – Bowler
  • Jahandad Khan – Allrounder
  • Haider Ali – Batter
  • Khurram Shahzad – Bowler
  • Abdullah Shafique – Batter
  • Zafar Gohar – Allrounder
  • Bilawal Bhatti – Allrounder

Category D

  • Mehran Mumtaz – Allrounder
  • Usman Qadir – Bowler
  • Mir Hamza – Bowler
  • Muhammad Ali Dazy – Bowler
  • Irfan Khan Niazi – Batter
  • Arif Yaqoob – Bowler
  • Ahmed Daniyal – Allrounder

Category E

  • Asad Raza – Bowler
  • Tayyab Abbas – Bowler
  • Ammad Butt – Allrounder
  • Ammad Alam – Batter
  • Yasir Khan – Batter
  • Muhammad Akhlaq – Wicketkeeper
  • Mohammad Zeeshan – Bowler
  • Mohammad Imran Jr – Bowler
  • Zia ul Hasan – Allrounder
  • Mamoon Imtiaz – Bowler
  • Rumman Raees – Bowler
  • Saad Baig – Wicketkeeper
  • Arafat Minhas – Allrounder
  • Tayyab Tahir – Batter
  • Salman Fayyaz – Bowler

READ: Abrar Ahmed, Saim Ayub among pre-auction picks for BPL 2026

‘This will haunt them for years’: Shoaib Malik on India’s refusal to accept trophy

Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik has criticized the Indian team for refusing to accept the Asia Cup 2025 trophy from the Asian Cricket Council President and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi.

India defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the Asia Cup final. However, the drama unfolded after the match, with the post-match presentation delayed by an hour.

The delay was due to India’s refusal, stemming from the fact that the trophy was to be handed over by the Asia Cricket Council (ACC) president and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Mohsin Naqvi.

The stage for the post-match ceremony was not set for an extended period. At last the stage was set up with Mohsin Naqvi and other dignitaries taking their place.

However, the ceremony ended without the silverware as the Indian team celebrated their victory without their trophy.

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Speaking in a post-match show, Shoaib talked about the post-match presentation ceremony of the final.

“Think about the pressure on players, the heat they battled, and the effort they gave. All of it was for one reason – to win the trophy and the tournament,” he said.

“And after all their hard work, they still didn’t step forward to collect the trophy. For now, they might celebrate the choice in their own way, but down the line, after a few years, this will haunt them. We won the trophy, gave our best, yet never took it,” he continued.

He called it a missed opportunity for the Indian team and mentioned the impact of a sportsman on the field.

“At the end of the day, they are athletes, they are players. Their role is to step onto the field and give everything they have. This was a huge achievement, a tight contest, and not taking the trophy, it means missing out on the moment. It was a massive moment,” he concluded.

READ: Alzarri Joseph ruled out of India tour, Holder declines selection

Shoaib Malik shares key advice for Pakistan ahead of India clash

Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has shared his perspective on what the Green Shirts must do to defeat India in their blockbuster Asia Cup 2025 showdown.

Speaking on a local sports show, Malik underlined the importance of Pakistan striking early with the ball to dent India’s formidable batting lineup.

“The toss is not in anyone’s control, not even Pakistan’s,” Malik remarked. “But the best chance is if Pakistan can remove three to four of India’s top batters quickly and restrict them to a low score.”

“If they can bring India’s total down to around 150–160, that’s a situation where Pakistan can win.”

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The seasoned all-rounder also pointed to the middle overs as a decisive phase, where spinners could turn the tide in Pakistan’s favour.

“The second scenario is in the middle overs,” Malik explained.

“If spinners like Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed can pick up three wickets each, that could open the game up. Because whether India bats first or second, if their batters don’t lose wickets, you are never really in the contest.”

The much-anticipated Pakistan–India encounter is set for later today at the Dubai International Stadium.

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

It will mark the 14th T20I contest between the two sides, with India holding a dominant record of 10 wins from 13 matches.

Their last meeting in the format was during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in New York, where Rohit Sharma’s men prevailed in a tense, low-scoring contest against Babar Azam’s side.

Pakistan squad: Salman Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem.

India squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.

READ: India suffer injury scare ahead of Pakistan clash

Former Pakistan captain suggests batting position for Mohammad Haris

Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has called for a clearly defined batting role for young wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris ahead of the national team’s Asia Cup 2025 opener against Oman.

Speaking on a local sports platform, Malik stressed the importance of continuity, suggesting that Pakistan must stick with the formula that recently helped them clinch the tri-nation T20I series against Afghanistan and the UAE.

“You’ve just won a series, and the combination that worked should mostly stay the same,” he stated.

“Keep it simple, if a right-hander gets out, Haris should come in at number three, while Fakhar Zaman shifts down. The pattern should remain right-hander for right-hander, left-hander for left-hander.”

The veteran all-rounder explained that Haris’s batting strengths are best suited to the powerplay and that pushing him too far down the order diminishes his effectiveness.

“He isn’t a natural power-hitter, so asking him to finish games doesn’t play to his strengths. He needs to face the new ball, make use of field restrictions, and bat with freedom. That’s when he can add value,” Malik added.

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Highlighting the 24-year-old’s numbers, Shoaib Malik noted that Mohammad Haris has enjoyed his best returns when batting at number three.

“If you look at his recent performances, he scored runs when he played at number three,” he stated.

“The combination hasn’t always worked smoothly, but it should be kept simple: right-hander for right-hander, left-hander for left-hander.”

Haris, who has featured in 28 T20Is, has one century to his name but has struggled in recent months.

He has scored only 54 runs in his last 11 innings, with a string of low scores against Bangladesh, West Indies, and during the recent tri-series.

Pakistan squad for Asia Cup 2025

Salman Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem.

READ: Punjab Kings in hot water for subbing Pakistan from India match banner

Khawaja Nafay among Pakistan players to participate in Canada Super 60

Pakistan’s Khawaja Nafay, Shoaib Malik, and Saeed Ajmal are set to take part in the inaugural Canada Super 60, with the six franchises confirming their squads for the ten-over-a-side competition.

Malik and Khawaja Nafay will represent Whiterock Warriors, while spin great Ajmal has been drafted by Mississauga Masters.

The tournament, scheduled from October 8 to 13 at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, will mark a historic moment for Canadian cricket as international stars gear up to play under lights in an indoor setup on the country’s West Coast.

Malik, 42, arrives with a remarkable T20 record, 13,571 runs across 557 matches, including 83 half-centuries, making him the fifth-highest run-getter in the format’s history.

Nafay, meanwhile, continues to build his reputation on the franchise circuit. The 22-year-old has already played in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL).

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He has scored three fifties in the BPL and two in the PSL, alongside a standout 61 against Bangladesh ‘A’ during the Top End T20 Series with Pakistan Shaheens.

Ajmal, one of Pakistan’s finest short-format bowlers, brings vast experience despite limited franchise exposure.

The former off-spinner claimed 85 wickets in 64 T20Is at an economy of 6.36 and has previously featured in the PSL, BPL, and a one-match stint in the Big Bash League with Adelaide Strikers.

The upcoming league has attracted several international names, including Quinton de Kock, Alex Hales, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shakib Al Hasan, Moeen Ali, and Sikandar Raza, giving Canadian fans a star-studded spectacle.

Canada Super 60 Teams

Whiterock Warriors: Dawid Malan, Chris Lynn, Shoaib Malik, Rishi Dhawan, Khawaja Nafay, Peter Siddle, Joe Clarke, Jack Jarvis, Ali Sheikh, Tajinder Singh Dhillon, Kaleem Sana, Nicholas Kirton, Sukhjinder Singh, Ajayveer Hundal, Harman Bahia.

Toronto Sixers: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Alex Hales, Jason Roy, Dan Christian, Waqar Salamkheil, Daniel Sams, Mark Watt, Manpreet Singh, Bas De Leede, Newab Singh, Shivam Sharma Jr, Navneet Dhaliwal, Shivam Sharma, Jagmandeep Paul.

Brampton Blitz: Quinton de Kock, Richard Gleeson, Martin Guptill, Will Smeed, Piyush Chawla, Roelof van der Merwe, David Wiese, Chris Greaves, Michael Leask, Dilon Heyliger, Harsh Thaker, Yuvraj Samra, Rishiv Joshi, Anoop Chima.

Montreal Tigers: Shakib Al Hasan, Josh Brown, Tom Moores, Nick Hobson, Isuru Udana, Ryan Higgins, Andrew Tye, Junaid Siddique, Bradley Currie, Ben Manenti, Dilpreet Bajwa, Ansh Patel, Shreyas Movva, Gursahib Singh, Padam Joshi.

Vancouver Kings: Moeen Ali, Dwaine Pretorius, Chris Wood, Rassie van der Dussen, Max Chu, Baltej Singh Dhanda, McKenny Clarke, Obus Pienaar, Imal Zuwak, Nauman Anwar, Ravinderpaul Singh, Jaskaran Buttar, Kanwarpal Tathgur, Gurbaz Bajwa, Tejinder Singh.

Mississauga Masters: Sikandar Raza, Imran Tahir, Ravi Bopara, George Carton, Leus du Plooy, Saeed Ajmal, Shubham Ranjane, Rushil Ugarkar, Ali Khan, Hamza Tariq, Rayyan Pathan, Zahid Shirzad, Dilraj Doel, Ali Khan.

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Pakistan thump South Africa in WCL 2025 clash

LEICESTER: Umar Amin’s impressive knock, followed by an all-round bowling performance, powered Pakistan Champions to a 31-run victory over South Africa Champions in the ninth fixture of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 here at Grace Road on Friday.

Chasing a daunting 198-run target, South Africa Champions could only score 167-9 in their allocated 20 overs.

In pursuit of the target, the Proteas lost their opening three batters inside seven overs. Hashim Amla (12), JJ Smuts (10), and Henry Davids (6) were removed cheaply as Pakistan Champions reduced them to 42-3.

South Africa continued to lose wickets in the middle, thus without any significant contributions, which left them reeling at 128-8 in 17.3 overs.

However, Morne van Wyk resisted with a valiant knock of 44 runs in quick time to reduce the margin of the defeat. His 20-ball innings featured five fours and two sixes.

For  Pakistan Champions, Sohail Tanvir and Mohammad Hafeez picked up two wickets each.

Earlier, Umar Amin’s 58 off 42 balls and Shoaib Malik’s brisk 46* propelled Pakistan Champions to a strong total.

After being put into bat first in WCL 2025 eighth fixture, Pakistan Champions posted 198-5 in their allocated 20 overs.

Pakistani openers provided a brisk 27-run start before Sharjeel Khan’s departure, who made 19 off 11 balls, with the aid of three fours and a six.

Kamran Akmal scored 17 off 11 balls, striking four boundaries, and was removed in the penultimate over of the powerplay as Pakistan Champions were reduced to 54-2 in 5.3 overs.

South Africa’s Champions fight back with another wicket, that of in-form Mohammad Hafeez, in the eighth over. He was dismissed for eight runs.

However, Umar Amin’s and Shoaib Malik’s imposing  79-run partnership steered the runners-up of the last edition. Both batters batted fluently, taking Pakistan above 150 runs.  Amin’s innings was ended as Pakistan reached 155 runs in the 16th over. The left-hander made 58 runs from 42 balls, striking four boundaries and three sixes.

The Pakistan Champions finished strong, with Shoaib Malik remaining unbeaten on 46 runs off 34 deliveries, which included five fours. Asif Ali added a quickfire 23 runs off just 11 balls, hitting two sixes and two fours, helping his team approach the 200-run mark.

For the South Africa Champions, Dwayne Olivier scalped two wickets, whereas Hardus Viljoen, Wayne Parnell, and JP Duminy picked up one wicket each.

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Playing XIs

South Africa Champions: Hashim Amla, Henry Davids, JJ Smuts, Sarel Erwee, Jean-Paul Duminy, Morne van Wyk (wk), Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso (c), Hardus Viljoen, Duanne Olivier

Pakistan Champions: Kamran Akmal(w), Sharjeel Khan, Umar Amin, Mohammad Hafeez(c), Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Imad Wasim, Aamer Yamin, Sohail Khan, Sohail Tanvir, Wahab Riaz

READ: PCC Select XI defeat Pakistan Shaheens in second one-day clash

Shoaib Malik resigns as Champions Cup mentor, pens emotional note

Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has officially stepped down from his role as mentor of the Stallions, one of the teams competing in the Champions Cup.

The veteran all-rounder made the announcement through an emotional statement posted on his official Facebook page.

Malik, who was appointed last year on a three-year contract as part of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) initiative to involve former cricketers in domestic development, cited “multiple professional and personal commitments” as the reason behind his decision.

“This was not an easy choice, but after reflecting on my commitments, I realised that juggling multiple responsibilities would prevent me from giving my best to both Pakistan cricket and to my other professional and personal priorities,” Shoaib Malik wrote in his statement.

He informed the PCB of his decision two weeks ago and has already submitted his resignation in writing.

However, the 42-year-old assured that he would honour his contractual obligations and provide the PCB with ample time to find a suitable replacement.

“I will fulfil my contractual obligations as planned, allowing the PCB ample time to appoint a new Mentor well ahead of the next season,” he added.

Malik’s heartfelt message extended gratitude to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the executive team, Director of Champions Events Wahab Riaz, his fellow coaching staff at Stallions, and the players he worked with during his tenure.

“I am deeply grateful to PCB Chairman Mr. Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB executive team, my former teammate and Director of Champions Events Wahab Riaz, my coaching staff at the Stallions, and, most importantly, the players who entrusted me with the opportunity to share my knowledge,” he stated.

“Working with some of Pakistan’s most talented cricketers has been an immensely fulfilling experience, one I will always cherish.

“I wish the PCB and everyone involved continued success. Cricket runs in my blood, and I remain committed to supporting Pakistan’s cricketing future in any capacity I can.”

It’s worth noting that Shoaib Malik was one of several high-profile appointments last year, alongside former captains Misbah-ul-Haq, Waqar Younis, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and ex-head coach Saqlain Mushtaq.

READ: PCB set to remove Champions Cup mentors: sources

Shoaib Malik responds to criticism over PSL 10 participation

Veteran cricketer Shoaib Malik has finally broken his silence over growing criticism surrounding his participation as a player in PSL 10, despite being one of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) appointed mentors.

Malik, who is representing Quetta Gladiators in the ongoing season, has come under fire from fans and critics alike, many of whom believe the 43-year-old should be grooming emerging talent from the sidelines rather than featuring in the playing XI himself.

While speaking to the media in Lahore, Malik addressed the backlash head-on.

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“The think tank’s job is to strategise. Our job is to perform when given the chance,” he said. “We are working hard to fix past mistakes and deliver better results going forward.”

Malik, one of the most experienced players in the league, clarified that his contract with the PCB allows him to take on both roles — mentor and player.

“I always try to fulfil my responsibilities as a mentor when needed,” he stated. “My contract clearly states that I am eligible to play, and I am doing that.”

Responding to the criticism about his continued presence on the field, Shoaib Malik didn’t hold back.

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“People often question why I’m still playing, but no one talks about those who are not part of PSL at all,” he said. “Some cricketers have always shown great respect and support for me, and I do the same for them.”

Malik also defended his fitness and ability to contribute on the field. “I am still in good shape and can contribute positively,” he asserted.

So far in PSL 10, Shoaib Malik has played two matches for Quetta Gladiators. He has bowled two overs, conceding 35 runs without taking a wicket. With the bat, he has scored 14 runs off 15 balls in his only outing, without a single boundary.

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Shahid Afridi backs Shoaib Malik’s inclusion in PSL 10 amid criticism

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has supported Shoaib Malik’s continued participation in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) despite criticism from former cricketers.

The 43-year-old Malik, currently representing Quetta Gladiators in PSL 10, has been in the spotlight after former batters Mohammad Yousuf and Basit Ali highlighted his inclusion in the team.

Shoaib Malik has played for four franchises since the inception of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

The all-rounder has featured in 557 T20 matches, scoring 13571 runs and achieving 83 half-centuries. He currently ranks only behind West Indies’ Chris Gayle and England’s Alex Hales in the T20 runs tally.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Malik struggled to score against Lahore Qalandars, making only 14 runs off 15 balls while chasing a challenging total of 220. Furthermore, he went wicketless in the match, conceding 16 runs in just one over.

While speaking during a PSL show, Yousuf stated that a line should be drawn on allowing players of Malik’s age to participate in the league.

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“The board needs to draw a line regarding Shoaib Malik playing the PSL. If you ask me to play, even I’ll play,” he remarked.

Former cricketer Basit Ali also commented on the all-rounder’s inclusion in the playing XI during a TV show. He stated that young talent such as Khawaja Nafay was warming the bench due to Shoaib Malik

“If Shoaib Malik is playing, then Moeen Khan and Viv Richards should also play,” he said.

However, Shahid Afridi echoed contrasting sentiments to Yousuf and Basit, stating that Malik could play as he wanted to.

“He can play for as long as he wants to. Shoaib Malik can play some matches, but he should also skip a few games so that youngsters get their chance, as they have performed well to reach this stage,” Afridi said.

READ: Schedule for India’s white-ball tour to Bangladesh announced

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