Shoaib Malik Archives

Shoaib Malik believes Babar Azam “can’t fit” in any top T20 International side

Former Pakistan captain and seasoned all-rounder Shoaib Malik did not mince his words to criticise ace batter Babar Azam following the national team’s below-par performance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

In a video, which went viral on social media, Shoaib Malik claimed that despite being labelled as Pakistan’s best batter, Babar Azam can not make a cut in the T20 International sides of top cricket-playing nations like Australia, India or England.

“Who is our best player? Our best player is Babar Azam. I am just talking about the top 4-5 teams. Can Babar fit in the playing XI of those teams? Of Australia, India or of England in just this particular format? The answer is NO!” he said while speaking at a talk show.

Although the video went viral and caught the attention of cricket fans today, it was recorded on June 27 when India thrashed England by 68 runs in the second semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2024.

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Earlier, former Indian cricketer and legendary opener Virender Sehwag made a similar claim regarding Babar Azam, stating if the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decides to remove Babar Azam as white-ball captain then he should not be considered for selection in T20Is.

“But as a leader you have to think whether this game is useful for his team. If not, then demote yourself and send someone who can play big shots in the six overs and get the team 50-60 runs,” stated Sehwag.

“I may sound harsh, but if the captain changes, Babar doesn’t deserve a place in the T20 team. His performances are not as per the demands of today’s T20 cricket,” he added.

READ: Mohammad Amir among 12 players granted NOCs

Babar Azam has not improved as captain in four years: Shoaib Malik

Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has criticized the national team’s white-ball captain Babar Azam for his performance as captain after a shocking loss against the United States (USA) in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Pakistan endured a five-run defeat against the co-hosts in the Super Over as they failed to chase down the 19-run target.

Senior pacer Mohammad Amir bowled the Super Over for Pakistan and conceded 18 runs. In response, the Green Shirts only managed 13/1.

After the match, Malik, who also played under Azam, stated that the right-handed batter has not evolved as a captain and makes predecided decisions on the field rather than improvising according to the situation.

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“This captaincy talk, I would like to go into its depth. You [Babar Azam] have set a blockage in your mind, that is the problem. If you have decided that Shadab [Khan] has to bat at a certain number, and Azam [Khan] and Iftikhar [Ahmed] have to bat in the last overs, and you do that exactly, these are the blockages,” said Malik while talking on a local channel.

“The most important thing which needs to be fixed is Babar’s captaincy from four years ago and now, I cannot see any difference.

“If someone is improving then you give them time because the results will be seen in the long run but in Babar’s case, as a leader, he is still where he was four years ago.”

The Green Shirts will face arch-rivals India in the most anticipated match of the T20 World Cup 2024 on 9 June in New York.

READ: Bangladesh edge past Sri Lanka in a thrilling T20 World Cup clash

Shoaib Malik boosts Pakistan’s ‘morale’ ahead of T20 World Cup

Veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik came out in support of the Pakistan Men’s cricket team after their 2-0 series defeat against England just ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Malik termed the England series a tough one but highlighted how the national team dealt with similar situations in the past.

“Tough series! Remember: we’ve been in tough spots before & came out stronger,” Shoaib wrote.

He then offered a piece of advice to Pakistan’s white-ball captain Babar Azam and urged him to bat at No.3, coining the right-handed batter the “best option” to rotate the strike in the middle overs.

“IMO [In my opinion] Babar should bat at no 03! We need someone in the middle overs to rotate strike, you are our best option, with your guidance our middle order will do a lot better,” Malik added.

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The former captain also threw his weight behind all-rounder Shadab Khan and young wicketkeeper batter Azam Khan, who have been struggling to find the rhythm.

“Azam and Shadab, you two are vital for our team, don’t lose confidence, play with heart, you are match winners. Going into the World Cup, keep your morale high, we’ve got this,” he concluded.

Notably, Shoaib Malik’s statement came minutes after Pakistan succumbed to a 2-0 series defeat against England as they suffered a seven-wicket defeat against England in the fourth T20I at Kennington Oval, London.

The four-match series against England was Pakistan’s final opportunity to gear up for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 as the 2009 champions missed the warm-up matches for this year’s mega event.

Former champions Pakistan will start their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign against the co-host United States of America (USA) on June 6 before taking on arch-rivals India in a blockbuster clash on June 9 in New York.

READ: Babar insists Pakistan ‘on track’ despite England series debacle

Shoaib Malik opines on Pakistan’s opening pair for T20 World Cup 2024

NEW YORK: Senior all-rounder Shoaib Malik commented on the ongoing debate regarding Pakistan’s opening pair for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to take place in the West Indies and USA in June.

Malik, while speaking at a media conference held at the newly-built Nassau County International Cricket Stadium here on Thursday, suggested considering Saim Ayub for the opening slot for high-scoring games.

“Look, Saim Ayub is the kind of player who plays a high-risk game. Any batter who plays with high risk has fewer chances of consistent performance, but there is a lot of talent in him,” stated Shoaib Malik.

“You need to see that if high-scoring matches are happening, then you will have to open with Saim Ayub.

“But if high-scoring games are not happening, then it depends on the conditions, if it’s those 160-170 score matches again, then I guess Babar and Rizwan should open,” he added.

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For the unversed, batting prodigy Saim Ayub has been under a lot of scrutiny as the left-handed opener is yet to score a half-century in the international circuit.

After bursting into the national side at the back of a remarkable domestic season and notable performances in the various franchise leagues across the world, Saim Ayub replaced Babar Azam as the opener in Pakistan’s away T20I series against New Zealand in January.

He then opened the innings for Pakistan with skipper Babar Azam in the home series against New Zealand before the opening slot once again got altered for the Ireland T20Is which saw him and Mohammad Rizwan starting the proceedings for the Green Shirts.

Notably, the Pakistan men’s cricket team on Wednesday, reached England to play a four-match T20I series to finalize their preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, starting on June 1.

The 2009 champions will start their campaign against co-host USA on June 6 before taking on arch-rivals India on June 9 at the aforementioned venue.

READ: Gary Kirsten to help Babar Azam play his ‘natural game’

Muhammad Irfan Khan wants to follow Shoaib Malik’s footsteps

LAHORE: Karachi Kings’ young middle-order batter Muhammad Irfan Khan on Thursday, revealed his plans to serve Pakistan cricket like his idol Shoaib Malik.

Irfan, while interacting with the media on the sidelines of the Kings’ optional training session at LCCA Cricket Ground here, revealed his admiration for senior teammate Shoaib Malik.

“The number of matches Shoaib bhai played for Pakistan, I want to emulate that. My strive would be to play as many matches. He has lots of experience and is my idol,” said Irfan.

The young batter also shared the experience of sharing the dressing room with senior players like Malik during his second stint with Karachi Kings.

“It [PSL] is the best platform for the youngsters. Those who perform well here soon make their debut for Pakistan,” he said.

“And, it is a good stage where you get to share the dressing with big names like [Kieron] Pollard and Shoaib bhai which gives you a wealth of experience,” he added.

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Irfan Khan then ruled out any difficulty in sharing the dressing room with senior players.

“It is not tough at all because the seniors we have here like Shoaib, Shan, and Hasan Ali, all are supportive. They back us and motivate us to trust our abilities,” Irfan stated.

It is worth mentioning here that Karachi Kings next face arch-rivals Lahore Qalandars at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.

The 2020 champions are fourth in the PSL 9 standings with two points in two matches while the hosts had a worrying start to their title defence, having lost their three opening matches on the trot.

Karachi Kings Squad for HBL PSL 9: Shan Masood (c), Kieron Pollard, Daniel Sams, Mohammad Nawaz, Tim Siefert/Fawad Ali, James Vince, Hasan Ali, Shoaib Malik, Tabraiz Shamis, Mohammad Amir Khan, Anwar Ali, Arafat Minhas, Mir Hamza, Muhammad Akhlaq, Muhammad Irfan Niazi, Sirajuddin, Saad Baig, and Blessing Muzarabani, Zahid Mehmood, Leus De Plooy, Mohammad Rohid.

READ: Wanindu Hasaranga blasts umpire over no-ball decision

Shoaib Malik’s first-ball wicket gave Karachi Kings momentum: Hasan Ali

LAHORE: Karachi Kings’ pacer Hasan Ali hailed Shoaib Malik for providing positive momentum to the team, leading them to a comfortable victory over Peshawar Zalmi in the sixth match of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9.

Hasan, while speaking at the post-match press conference after Karachi Kings’ seven-wicket victory over Peshawar Zalmi, opened up on the teams’ strategy of bowling slower deliveries in the early phase of the innings.

“Look, we always plan after accessing the conditions. So, as per the conditions, the change of pace was very essential and we were aware as a bowling unit that they possess such batters, who can hit big,” said Hasan.

“If you talk about Shoaib bhai, I think he gave us the momentum by taking a wicket on the first delivery. So, in T20, the early momentum gives confidence to the bowling unit and the team approach the game more dominantly,” he added.

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Hasan Ali further commented on his bowling performance for Karachi Kings, stating that he was satisfied with the way he bowled.

“My recent performances [for Pakistan] were not that good. I played well in the World Cup but in the recent Test series, could not pick many wickets.

“However, as far as PSL is concerned, I always consider it as an opportunity to prove myself. I am very satisfied with my [current] performance, there are still eight matches left and then playoffs. So, I’m confident that such performances will keep on coming.”

The right-arm pacer also opened up on his trade from Islamabad United to Karachi Kings and heaped praise on his new team’s captain Shan Masood.

“I am very happy to become a part of Karachi Kings. I still miss Roti Group, one of its members hit me for a six today.

“Shan is a brilliant player. He just got the captaincy of Pakistan and he’s getting better day by day and he’s a good man.”

Hasan Ali then went on to assert that the new-look Karachi Kings’ squad has been gelled and the fans can expect alike results from the former champions in the coming matches.

READ: Pollard’s blitz powers Karachi Kings to first win in PSL 9

2009 T20 World Cup-winning team to celebrate historic victory in US

KARACHI: Pakistan’s ICC T20 World Cup 2009 winning team will celebrate the monumental victory in the United States of America (USA).

World Cup-winning captain Younis Khan, alongside Shahid Afridi, Misbah Ul Haq, Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal, Abdul Razzaq, Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal attended the star-studded ceremony here on Monday.

In a media briefing, it was revealed that the former cricketers will celebrate the title victory in different states of the US.

The celebration tour will commence on April 28 amid which the former cricketers will partake in the meet and greet sessions and will also be featuring in an exhibition match.

According to the event organizer, the purpose of the celebration tour is to promote cricket among the Pakistanis living in the US.

Speaking on the occasion, World Cup-winning captain Younis Khan stated that he wished that the national team had won more titles during this period.

“I wish we had won more cups during that time. I believe we should have had more titles,” said Khan.

“For the first time, the 2009 victory will be celebrated in America. We want to celebrate this historic victory again,” he added.

Pakistan’s hero of the semi-final and final Shahid Afridi revealed that he had high hopes for Babar Azam’s men but the national side failed to live up to that despite the conditions being in their favour.

“I had high hopes for this team. We had the players and the conditions were in our favour as well. We did not perform as per our skills,” said Afridi.

Afridi further commented on the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of Babar Azam as Pakistan captain and threw his weight behind the latter to continue to lead the side on Australia tour.

Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik also commented on the national team’s dismal campaign at the ICC World Cup 2023.

The all-rounder further stated that he does not hold any grudge towards Babar Azam and termed him a brilliant batter.

“People think that I am against Babar Azam. There is nothing like that. He is a wonderful player. He is criticised due to his captaincy. I also believe that he can do wonders as a player,” Malik stated.

Meanwhile, another former cricketer from Pakistan’s 2009 T20 World Cup-winning squad Umar Gul, who is rumoured to be the top contender to replace Morne Morkel as Pakistan bowling coach, shared that he heard the news on social media.

“I saw on social media that maybe I am being considered for bowling coach but I have not been contacted yet,” shared Gul.

The former pacer, however, stated that he is willing to serve Pakistan Cricket again if gets the opportunity.

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan were crowned the T20 champions under Younis Khan’s leadership when the national team outclassed Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the 2009 T20 World Cup final.

READ: Pakistan to play four-day match against PM’s XI ahead of Australia Tests

Shoaib Malik and A Sports join hands for exciting new cricket coaching show

Pakistani legend Shoaib Malik set to host Masterclass with Malik – a dedicated cricket coaching show to be televised on A Sports
Budding cricketers can learn basic drills and improve their cricketing skills
Show features sessions with Pakistani stars Wasim Akram, Misbah ul Haq, Sana Mir, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal, Moin Khan, and Azam Khan
Special episode features Pakistan’s national team players

Pakistan’s leading sports channel A Sports is launching Masterclass with Malik – a new cricket coaching TV show with ace Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik.

Masterclass with Malik unpacks former Pakistan captain and all-rounder Shoaib Malik’s experience in a show that aims to help young cricketers in improving their skills. The show also features episodes with some of Pakistan’s best talent, including Wasim Akram, Moin Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Sana Mir, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal, and Azam Khan.

A special episode featuring Pakistan national team players Imam-ul-Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shan Masood, and Hasan Ali is also set to be part of the show.

Shoaib Malik is one of Pakistan’s most experienced cricketers, having played 446 international games.

In a career spanning more than two decades, Malik has so far amassed 11,387 international runs and picked up 218 international wickets.

He was appointed Pakistan’s captain in 2007 when he led the team to the final of the 2007 T20 World Cup. Malik was part of Pakistan’s winning team at the 2009 T20 World Cup and at the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy.

Shoaib Malik: “I have played with and against so many players and there is so much that I have managed to learn over the years. Masterclass with Malik is my attempt to give something back to the young learners out there.

I want to thank the A Sports team for their support in putting this together with me and I hope that the viewers will enjoy seeing our hard work on their screens.”

With this exciting new cricket coaching show, A Sports continues to enhance its content portfolio for sports fans in Pakistan. In a little less than two years, A Sports has successfully showcased the Pakistan Super League, bilateral matches featuring the Pakistan Cricket Team, ICC Men’s and Women’s T20 World Cups, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, SA20, Lanka Premier League, Major League Cricket, Canada Global T20, Fair Break Invitational T20, Formula 1, and La Liga.

A Sports is set to bring more live cricket to its fans with this year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup starting on October 5 along with the channel’s signature cricket analysis show called The Pavilion.

READ: Imam-ul-Haq rises in ICC ODI Batting Rankings

Hasan eclipses Malik’s heroics as Dambulla Aura edge Jaffna Kings in LPL

PALLEKELE: Shoaib Malik’s late fireworks went in vain as Hasan Ali ran through Jaffna Kings’ batting line-up to guide Dambulla Aura to a thrilling nine-run win over Jaffna Kings in the 11th match of the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL) on Monday.

Dambulla Aura jumped to the top of the table in the ongoing LPL, after they defended the joint-second lowest total in the LPL history.

Requiring 34 off the last over of Afghanistan prodigy Noor Ahmed, Jaffna Kings had their hopes alive with Shoaib Malik on the crease.

He started the over on a high, hitting two sixes, but the young bowler held on to his nerves and bowled two dot balls to seal the deal for his team.

Malik however hit a boundary and a six off the last two balls but the game was already over by then, as Dambulla Aura won by 9 runs.

He waged a lone battle against Aura’s bowlers, scoring more than half of his team’s total of 125.

Shoaib Malik’s innings of 74 off 56 balls was laced with five boundaries and six sixes. Besides Malik, only Dunith Wellalage (16) managed to reach double figures.

After winning the toss, Jaffna Kings put Dambulla Aura into bat, and they got off to a flying start as the first over of Maheesh Theekshana saw both openers going back to the pavilion.

Avishka Fernando ran himself out on the first delivery, while Kusal Mendis holed one straight to Malik at deep midwicket.

Sadeera Samarawickrama and Kusal Perera knitted a formidable partnership of 51 runs for Dambulla Aura before the former was castled by Dunith Wellalage. Samarawickrama’s anchoring 30 off 25 featured four boundaries.

Dhananjaya de Silva (4) joined Perera but was soon bowled by Malik with just 69 on the board in the 11th over.

Perera then attempted to shift gears and take on Malik with a reverse sweep but missed the length ball and was cleaned up.

Subsequently, no batter posed any real threat to Jaffna Kings except Hayden Kerr, who scored 25 off 20 at the backend to guide his team to a modest total of 134.

Shoaib Malik and Nuwan Thushara picked two wickets each for the Kings, while Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage managed one apiece.

Jaffna Kings started the chase in contrast to their brilliant bowling performance as they were reduced to 10-3 in four overs.

Hasan Ali removed opening batters Rahmanullah Gurbaz (3) and Charith Asalanka (5), whereas Towhid Hridoy perished for a first-ball duck off Binura Fernando.

David Miller was then involved in a brief 17-run partnership with Malik until chipping one straight to the bowler, Hayden Kerr and left the Kings reeling at 27/4 just after the powerplay.

Malik then formed a crucial partnership for the Kings when he added 39 runs for the fifth wicket with Dunith Wellalage before Hasan Ali came back into the attack and crashed the top of Wellalage’s off-stump.

With the Kings in heaps of trouble after losing wickets at regular intervals, Shoaib Malik batted cautiously in the middle phase and the required run rate kept rising.

With the Kings requiring 50 off 18 deliveries, Shoaib Malik finally shifted gears in the 18th over, as he hit 10 runs off Hasan Ali to bring up his fifty in 44 balls.

However, Malik’s heroics came a touch too late as the Kings fell just nine runs short of pulling a miraculous victory.

Defending champions Jaffna Kings are now placed at the fourth spot in the LPL standings and will face Colombo Strikers in the next game on Tuesday, while table-toppers Dambulla Aura will face second-positioned Galle Titans on Wednesday.

READ: Babar Azam’s maiden LPL ton lifts Colombo Strikers to edge Galle Titans

‘Excellent opportunity’ Shoaib lends support to women’s exhibition matches

LAHORE: Pakistan veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik has extended his completed support to Women’s League exhibition matches, calling it ‘an excellent opportunity to create a level playing field and promote gender equality in sports.

For the first time in the country, three women’s exhibition matches will be played between Bismah Maroof-led Amazaons and Nida Dar-led Super Women, commencing on the occasion of International Women’s Day on March 8. The second and third matches will take place on March 10 and 11 respectively.

Karachi Kings’ star Shoaib believes the matches will give a ‘much-needed platform to showcase the immense talent and potential of women cricketers.’

“I am thrilled to see the inclusion of women’s league exhibition matches in the PSL 8,” said Shoaib talking to PCB Digital.

“It will provide a much-needed platform to showcase the immense talent and potential of women cricketers. This is an excellent opportunity to create a level playing field and encourage gender equality in sports.”

He added, “by promoting women’s cricket in Pakistan, we can inspire the next generation of athletes and help them realise their dreams. I fully support this initiative and hope to see the women’s league grow from strength to strength in the years to come.”

The women’s matches will start at 2pm and will be followed by the PSL fixtures at 7pm. All three exhibition matches will be staged at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.

A total of 10 leading foreign players from seven countries will represent the two teams during the women’s exhibition games – billed as the soft launch of the Pakistan Women’s League, tentatively planned for September.

Ireland’s Laura Delany, England’s trio of Lauren Winfield-Hill, Maia Bouchier and Tammy Beaumont, and Australia’s Tess Flintoff are part of Amazons.

Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu, Danni Wyatt of England, Jahanara Alam of Bangladesh, South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt and Lea Tahuhu of New Zealand represents Super Women.

Squads:

Amazons: Bismah Maroof (c), Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Areesha Noor, Eyman Fatima, Fatima Khan, Fatima Sana, Ghulam Fatima, Gull Feroza, Kainat Imtiaz, Laura Delany (Ireland), Lauren Winfield-Hill (England), Maia Bouchier (England), Nashra Sundhu, Sadaf Shamas, Tammy Beaumont (England), Tess Flintoff (Australia) and Umm-e-Hani.

Super Women: Nida Dar (c) Aimen Anwar, Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka), Danni Wyatt (England), Iram Javed, Jahanara Alam (Bangladesh), Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa), Lea Tahuhu (New Zealand), Muneeba Ali, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz, Syeda Aroob Shah, Syeda Masooma Zahra and Tuba Hassan.

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