"Time to Forget the Past, Move On and Look Forward" : Shoaib Malik

[Saj]

To label former Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik's previous 12 months as horrendous, would be an understatement in itself.

Shoaib made his last appearance in Pakistan colours just over a year ago when he made an aggregate of 6 runs at Edgbaston in a crushing 9 wicket defeat.

Subsequently dropped from the national side in all formats, things were to get worse for Malik as he was unable to obtain clearance from the PCB Integrity Committee due to alleged deposits in his overseas bank account resulting in him missing several series as well as the World Cup earlier this year.

On Friday though the world finally seemed to be a better place for Malik as the PCB announced Malik's clearance after he was able to provide evidence that the deposits did not emanate from any questionable source or activity.

Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net from Sialkot; PIA all rounder Malik explained that he was delighted to be back in the reckoning for international selection and that his form and performances in domestic cricket had been good enough for a recall.

"I was in very good form during the World Cup. I was in prime form through the domestic season, scoring nearly 800 runs at an average of nearly 90 for Pakistan International Airlines in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and I took regular wickets too. Of course I was disappointed to miss out on World Cup selection, as it has been my dream to win the 50 over World Cup."

Malik explained that he believes his mental toughness had helped him through such a difficult time in his life and that he was helped though the difficult phase by his wife and international tennis player, Sania Mirza Malik.

"Ups and downs are part of life. You have to be mentally strong enough to handle all the things and situations that come your way. My wife Sania has helped me a lot. She's been playing international tennis for the past 10 to 12 years and the advice she gave me from her experiences in the highs and lows of her tennis career, was invaluable. She's a great life partner and her support has been brilliant."

Whilst the past 12 months will be difficult to forget, Malik feels that the bad times are in the past and that he has plenty to look forward to in the coming weeks, months and years.

"No doubt about it, the past 12 months since the tour of England have been very tough. However the bad times came and they have gone. Now I just want to concentrate on my cricket and do well for my country and see them in the top 3 rankings in all formats of the game. If you are in the right then you have to wait for your time. I was just waiting for my time and waiting for my clearance. Rather than making rash statements in the media, I felt it was best for me to wait for the clearance and then let my cricket do the talking when I am cleared. The field of play is the best place for cricketers like myself to show what they are capable of."

Malik who will turn 30 next February feels that he has a lot of cricket left in the tank and despite not being selected he has continued to prepare himself physically and mentally for his return

"I feel that I can play cricket for another 6 to 8 years. I just want to play good cricket and despite not being selected for Pakistan I have been training hard practising with intensity and playing cricket anywhere in the world where I possibly could, for example in Bangladesh. I want to show the world that I am still a good cricketer and that I have what it takes to play and do well at the highest level."

A year out of any cricketer's life is a long time and Malik has missed a number of matches for Pakistan including the premier one-day tournament, the World Cup. Malik though feels that he is now approaching the prime years of his cricketing life and that his best days are ahead of him.

"I feel that from 29 onwards for the next 6 or 7 years are the best years for a batsman, where you can apply your experience and what you have learnt. I'm at that stage now. What's happened is history now, it's time to move on, look forward. I don't want to look back now; I just want to focus on the future. The more I talk about or think about the past, the more I lose concentration."

"I obviously didn't get selected for the World Cup, so I was given the opportunity to work as a television pundit by one of the channels in India. It worked out quite well as I was working with the television channel as well as practising cricket in India. I took a month and a half of power yoga classes while I was out in India. My aim was to get back to playing for Pakistan and I was preparing myself on a daily basis and waiting for the clearance. I'm not that sort of person who would just take things easily just because I was not in the side. I continued to train throughout my non-selection period and to keep myself mentally and physically ready for my call-up."

Malik was named as one of the standby players for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe, pending his approval by the PCB Integrity Committee. Now that approval has been received, Malik added that he is waiting to see whether he is invited to the ongoing training camp in Lahore.

"The news of my clearance only came out yesterday and of course it's the weekend at the moment. Let's wait and see what happens. I'm just happy that I'm cleared and now it's up to the selectors with regards to future squads. Whatever is decided regarding the camp and future selection, I will follow that."

Pakistan's busy upcoming schedule should provide Malik with plenty of opportunities to see himself back in the side, although he is urging caution and patience.

"Zimbabwe are a good side at home, they should not be underestimated. They have played some very good cricket against Bangladesh and are now back on the test stage."

"After Zimbabwe we have some tough series too against Sri Lanka and England also. It would be good if I could get some international cricket under my belt in the Zimbabwe series before the Sri Lanka and England series, but it's entirely up to the selectors."

Dubai based Malik was part of the Twenty20 World Cup winning squad of 2009, with the next instalment of this tournament due to be held next year. However he feels that looking ahead at his contribution and participation in the tournament in Sri Lanka was too far in the future.

"It's too far ahead to talk about that. I'm that sort of person who only looks at the next match. I only want to concentrate on the next match and not too far ahead. I believe that if you look too far into the future, then the present can go wrong."

Speculation regarding the Pakistan one day and Twenty20 captaincy has seen Malik's name once again being mentioned, especially given that current incumbent Misbah ul Haq is 37 years old. However Malik refuses to be drawn into the one day captaincy debate.
"I'm not thinking about captaincy at all. All I am thinking about is getting back into the team. I just want to see my name on the team sheet and in the starting eleven. I am just thinking about being consistent, playing good cricket and giving 100% in all facets of the game. Consistency is the key this time around and I want to ensure that I am more consistent for Pakistan."

http://www.pakpassion.net/photopost/data/542/Malik.jpg

[kingusama92]

Said all the right things.

Credit has to be given to Malik, he's very good with the media. Rarely makes poor statements.

I agree with him, he needs to forget the captaincy for now and just put his head down and earn his spot. The rest will follow in due time if he ups his performances.

[emclub]

Good Interview :malik

[Saj]

Many thanks to Shoaib for his time.

Plenty to discuss based on what he has said.

[SAF]

"I'm not thinking about captaincy at all. All I am thinking about is getting back into the team. I just want to see my name on the team sheet and in the starting eleven. I am just thinking about being consistent, playing good cricket and giving 100% in all facets of the game. Consistency is the key this time around and I want to ensure that I am more consistent for Pakistan."

Good for you Malik :14:

[MalikMohsin]

"I'm not thinking about captaincy at all. All I am thinking about is getting back into the team. I just want to see my name on the team sheet and in the starting eleven. I am just thinking about being consistent, playing good cricket and giving 100% in all facets of the game. Consistency is the key this time around and I want to ensure that I am more consistent for Pakistan."


Well Said. Thank you for sharing - Saj Bhai, Jazak'Allah Khayr!

This whole interview basically describe of his character, and certainly, most rare one, that is very down to earth, the type of person he is, and it's starting to become very rare of our today cricketers unfortunately.

I truly hope Shoaib Malik turns down the captaincy, and concentrate on the performance. If he continues to perform and be consistent, and given the understanding of the options of Pakistan cricket has, and trust me, captaincy will run towards to you just like it came to you by its own after WC 2007. Just concentrate on performance, and most importantly, outperform 'England team combined performance' against India if PCB manages to succeed in arranging series with India in the future. :malik

Insha'Allaah, you will play the bigger role for Pakistan for the upcoming series - England and Sri Lanka. May Allaah (SWT) guides you to play bigger role for Pakistan, Ameen!

[Black Zero]

Always shown a positive attitude
lets hope things turn in his favor now.

[W63L35]

Many thanks to Shoaib for his time.

Plenty to discuss based on what he has said.
Saj... thanks for the interview. Very nicely put together and written for PP.


Said all the right things.
Proves he has learned a lot from his politician friends. :)

I hope and pray his next tenure is much better than his last 28 international innings ... even though his fans were extremely happy with his 20s and 30s at the S/R 50. As they say... misery loves company.... but in their case.. mediocrity loves company. :P

[Fireworks11]

Good interview by Shoaib, tough year for him missing out at the WC in India, wish him the best of luck. Let's hope he gives his all and it's a fruitful return this time around.

[Saj]

Guys a couple of very simple yet important points.

This is not a Malik v Afridi thread, so keep those arguments away fromt this thread.

Also as always and irrespective of the player, keep personal insults from this thread. If in doubt, read the forum rules.

[shahrukh619]

Nice interview Saj, really explains alot.

So is Malik going to return to the team as a batsman or an allrounder which will replace Shahid Afridi?

"I'm not thinking about captaincy at all. All I am thinking about is getting back into the team. I just want to see my name on the team sheet and in the starting eleven. I am just thinking about being consistent, playing good cricket and giving 100% in all facets of the game. Consistency is the key this time around and I want to ensure that I am more consistent for Pakistan."

Let's hope what he said about this is true, and is not blushing.

Hope he succeeds as an allrounder.

[Down2Earth]

i hope he can improve as a cricketer and more importantly as a team player.

[SAF]

I am happy Malik is back in the team, he is needed in the middle order now since Moyo retired.

Wish him nothing but the best.

[Bullet Drive]

One thing I haven't seen is a poor statement from Malik. I don't even think I've seen him make a comment to the media about anything to be honest and that is brilliant. Credit to where its due.

Malik, I hope he does well for us. We all know he struggles in tough conditions but at least he makes the most out of flat tracks. He is a good player in the sub-continent and our series vs England and Sri Lanka, he will be vital.

Inshallah he comes back and performs well.

[Down2Earth]

One thing I haven't seen is a poor statement from Malik. I don't even think I've seen him make a comment to the media about anything to be honest and that is brilliant. Credit to where its due.

Malik, I hope he does well for us. We all know he struggles in tough conditions but at least he makes the most out of flat tracks. He is a good player in the sub-continent and our series vs England and Sri Lanka, he will be vital.

Inshallah he comes back and performs well.

have you forgotten about his media war with moyo?

[kingusama92]

have you forgotten about his media war with moyo?

I don't think Malik made a press statement against Yousuf. In fact, the only one I remember was the one where he said he can't believe Yousuf criticized him and that it was unfair.

Internally there were issues. No doubt about it.

However, in front of the media he never let it show. All of this while Yousuf gave 4-5 poor statements against Malik.

[cricfan4ever]

terrific stuff from :malik, now waiting him to start playing in final XI soon Inshallah!!!

[Sunny786]

Best of luck to him.

[ItsMeK1]

have you forgotten about his media war with moyo?

It was one sided war, all from :moyo

[Ironcat]

It was one sided war, all from :moyo

I don't think Malik made a press statement against Yousuf. In fact, the only one I remember was the one where he said he can't believe Yousuf criticized him and that it was unfair.

Oh, the pretense of memento.

Read this:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/8512922.stm

As for Malik, he's technically redundant now. Hafeez is a better batsman, Ajmal is a better bowler.

[Chocolaty Laila]

One thing I haven't seen is a poor statement from Malik. I don't even think I've seen him make a comment to the media about anything to be honest and that is brilliant. Credit to where its due.

Malik, I hope he does well for us. We all know he struggles in tough conditions but at least he makes the most out of flat tracks. He is a good player in the sub-continent and our series vs England and Sri Lanka, he will be vital.

Inshallah he comes back and performs well.

Good observation about his media statements bro, I totally agree.

I don't know if that is because Malik is smarter or just soft-spoken, but he is not one to go media at the drop of a hat.

One thing that is for sure is that Malik has excellent temperament, that can help cover technical deficiencies.

I would certainly prefer him over somebody like Younis Khan in the ODI/T20 team.

[emclub]

Oh, the pretense of memento.

Read this:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/8512922.stm

As for Malik, he's technically redundant now. Hafeez is a better batsman, Ajmal is a better bowler.

MoYo started it Malik responded by saying I will expose him but then he didnt I think for the betterment of Pakistani cricket's reputation......

[Ironcat]

MoYo started it Malik responded by saying I will expose him but then he didnt I think for the betterment of Pakistani cricket's reputation......
Neither did Yousuf. The player "who shall not be named".

[Gotham Cronie]

One thing I haven't seen is a poor statement from Malik. I don't even think I've seen him make a comment to the media about anything to be honest and that is brilliant. Credit to where its due.

Malik, I hope he does well for us. We all know he struggles in tough conditions but at least he makes the most out of flat tracks. He is a good player in the sub-continent and our series vs England and Sri Lanka, he will be vital.

Inshallah he comes back and performs well.

"First of all I want to say something over here. I want to thank you back home Pakistan and where the Muslim lives all over the world."


:malik

[1137moiz]

I wouldn't have either Malik or Afridi back as CAPTAINS (statistically both had good results, but their departures were too acrimonious) but depending on whether Pakistan was missing a MO slot or a spinner I'd have one of the two back. Tbh though we have so many spinners and several promising upcoming MO batsmen that it might be hard to fit them in.

Good interview from Malik, said the right things and hopefully he'll back em up InshaAllah. When in form, as he was before his horror 2009/10 season, he's a useful asset in the LOI middle order.

[kingusama92]

Oh, the pretense of memento.

Read this:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/8512922.stm

As for Malik, he's technically redundant now. Hafeez is a better batsman, Ajmal is a better bowler.

Fair enough.

However, did he follow through with his promise? Nope.

Even though, Yousuf went ahead and made a few more dumb statements against Malik after that.

I am not a Malik fan. However, he could be a useful component if he gains some form. Shahid Afridi is out of the side, Malik could be a workable replacement.

[JellyBro]

perfect timing for him to get cleared. With Afridi's retirement, Malik's return seems imminent. A no-brainer, really.

[saeed-sohail]

I hope for Pakistans sake he performs at #3. we have invested too much time and games in him that he did it deserve and by the look of it he will be around so let's hope he gives 100%. he has history of under performing in protest.

[MalikMohsin]

Fair enough.

However, did he follow through with his promise? Nope.

Even though, Yousuf went ahead and made a few more dumb statements against Malik after that.

I am not a Malik fan. However, he could be a useful component if he gains some form. Shahid Afridi is out of the side, Malik could be a workable replacement.

Assalamu - Alaikum!

Correct me if i am wrong.

After Mohammad Yousuf with inappropriate interview which has touched the nerve of Shoaib Malik, which later motivated him to promise to expose in 24 hours, and i think, by threatening to expose has already Mohammad Yousuf in fear of silent from that moment, and the promise of 24hr didn't go as planned because Shoaib Malik was calmed down by Aqib Javed, and surprisingly, Aqib Javed has kept the situation in under control. Ever since, Mohammad Yousuf hasn't said a single word. Give credit to Aqib Javed for calming Shoaib Malik especially during that situation was so intense.

They buried all the hatchet between each other and moved on before the tour of Australia, but the oath taking episode was exposed, and Shoaib Malik was the one who has leaked it to Aqib Javed, which later submitted the report to PCB, and somehow, this has leaked into the news. That's what has upset Mohammad Yousuf the most. That's why all the dramas were started.

Please, correct me if i am wrong. May Allaah (SWT) forgives me if i am wrong.

[Ironcat]

Fair enough.

However, did he follow through with his promise? Nope.
Do we know he didn't get into Act 2 because he didn't feel like or because he had nothing credible to expose?

Zoni pulled this exact same thing off just 6 months ago.

Anyways, point is, Malik is no saint when it comes to media - though not quite in the same league as some of the others.

[Ironcat]

Assalamu - Alaikum!

Correct me if i am wrong.

After Mohammad Yousuf with inappropriate interview which has touched the nerve of Shoaib Malik, which later motivated him to promise to expose in 24 hours, and i think, by threatening to expose has already Mohammad Yousuf in fear of silent from that moment, and the promise of 24hr didn't go as planned because Shoaib Malik was calmed down by Aqib Javed, and surprisingly, Aqib Javed has kept the situation in under control. Ever since, Mohammad Yousuf hasn't said a single word. Give credit to Aqib Javed for calming Shoaib Malik especially during that situation was so intense.

They buried all the hatchet between each other and moved on before the tour of Australia, but the oath taking episode was exposed, and Shoaib Malik was the one who has leaked it to Aqib Javed, which later submitted the report to PCB, and somehow, this has leaked into the news. That's what has upset Mohammad Yousuf the most. That's why all the dramas were started.

Please, correct me if i am wrong. May Allaah (SWT) forgives me if i am wrong.
Any evidence to back any of it up (other than what we saw in the media and here)? Not questioning you, but the events that you quote.

[pakistanigoneaussie]

One thing I haven't seen is a poor statement from Malik. I don't even think I've seen him make a comment to the media about anything to be honest and that is brilliant. .

t20 WC 2007 final- "i would like to thank all the muslims around the world who supported us"

and who was man of the match for india : Irfan Pathan :69:

I personally dont want malik in the team ( same for YK in limted overs), i hope though he performs and proves me wrong, the issue is that he will come into the team in place of a youngster probably asad shafiq, who deserves his place at 3 ( not to mention this means umar akmal will be wasted at 6 again). I would have liked to see how Malik would have handled a fired up Brett Lee within the first 10 overs on a pitch with dodgy bounce

[Pakhtoon_Rules]

I just dont know one thing

Why did it took so long to clear him, obviously if there was nothing wrong with the money, why wasnt he cleared before.

There must be something behind the scene which we dont know! Some deal may be?

[Black Zero]

I hope for Pakistans sake he performs at #3. we have invested too much time and games in him that he did it deserve and by the look of it he will be around so let's hope he gives 100%. he has history of under performing in protest.

Why at #3?
Whatever position he likes...

Waqar pushed him at #3 in uk and then dropped after that match.

Saj mentioned his failure in that match but he cudn't about position change.

Simple rule: play players whatever position they prefer so they dont have any excuse.

[Black Zero]

Do we know he didn't get into Act 2 because he didn't feel like or because he had nothing credible to expose?

Zoni pulled this exact same thing off just 6 months ago.

Anyways, point is, Malik is no saint when it comes to media - though not quite in the same league as some of the others.

still clueless?

MoYo got exposed! and it was Malik who broght this to team management.


... every newspaper mentioned him organising the oath against YK.

Earlier, when Malik was captain, MoYo had been passing ridiculous statements, and even then Malik wanted to respond...but saeed anwar stopped malik.

In Sydney test, Malik kept sending the instructions to Malik to attack,,,but those instructions were ignored..and on return..MoYo tried to put all blame on Malik.

but as Malik said, forget about past.

[Black Zero]

I just dont know one thing

Why did it took so long to clear him, obviously if there was nothing wrong with the money, why wasnt he cleared before.

There must be something behind the scene which we dont know! Some deal may be?

God knows

but i had presented the theory that as soon Afridi would be out Malik would make return...
and it happened.

[Black Zero]

regarding power yoga
"Power yoga is a general term used in the West to describe a vigorous, fitness-based approach to vinyasa-style yoga. Most power yoga is closely modeled on the Ashtanga style of practice. The term "power yoga" came into common usage in the mid 1990s, when several yoga teachers were looking for a way to make Ashtanga yoga more accessible to western students. Unlike Ashtanga, power yoga does not follow a set series of poses. Therefore, any power yoga class can vary widely from the next. What they have in common is an emphasis on strength and flexibility. The advent of power yoga heralded yoga's current popularity, as people began to see yoga as a way to work out. Power yoga brought yoga into the gyms of America."

[the Great Khan]

Where is he gonna play? I just dobt rate him...low average, not a heart player and politics..the sort of player we cant afford to have..not a very good professional..its time to move on..

[MenInG]

Pls DO NOT make any comments about the personal life of Malik or people related to him - we will come down very hard on such comments and their posters

[Black Zero]

Saj, how was his mode while talking?
normally, he seems least interested while talking to media.

[12cavalry]

I am not really sure about his inclusion in the team.
Shoaib or for that matter any players who have been even slightly involved in politics, should be kept miles away from this team. Lets for once play 11 guys who have an unblemished disciplinary record.

Also in terms of his cricketing ability, I dont see him doing wonders for the side. Mainly his technique on bouncy pitches, which to say the least is dodgy. Shoaib at the end of the day is an average batsman and replacing him with a talented young guy wouldn't be a bad idea. Plus he hasn't played much competitive cricket lately.

[Ironcat]

those were in Aaqib's report to PCB and Aaqib got it from Malik
(then Quuyum read those report and leaked to media)

IT WAS MALIK who TOLD ABOUT OATH TO AaQIB!

tbh, you are not informed enough on the topic.
You might want to listen to Younis explaining these days how Malik was part of the group. Though I have no issues with players revolting to stand up for what they believe to be right - except that they can't toy with their country's reputation and the sport, such as by under-performing knowingly.

TBH, your linkage theory sounds as contrived as Cheney's with 9/11 - but that's hardly the topic of this thread. Whatever the truth, it's clear that both Yousuf and Malik have had their shares of media botch-ups. And both have since been, as you'd expect, more prudent.

[MMHS]

Excellent interview. Malik had always been the best Pak captain while handling the media since Wasim. I think, this time he would be much better, as a person, as a team member & if appointed, as a captain. Age & marriage brings maturity in most persons & he always was a good LO player.

His approach is also right, if he is honest with himself. None should chase leadership, rather focusing on the performance & deliver the best for Team's cause. If his reported age is accurate, the best days of him as a batsman is just starting. To me, he is the best bet for LO Captaincy till next WC.

[cricketpassion]

Good interviw , Wish him best of luck , hope he concentrate on his batting and perform for Pakistan in upcoming series.

[cricfan4ever]

amazing how many are hell bent on speculating...get over it, Malik is very much needed in our LOIs set up as our middle order needs someone besides Umar to keep the scoring run rate going at good pace because now we don't have the luxury of Afridi neither Razzaq down the order to make up for the slow rate in death overs...

Malik's presence in the MO will ensure that the scoring rate doesn't become stagnant in middle overs and will ease the pressure off Jr.

[shoaib malik fans]

Shoaib Malik is back in the team for the tour of Zimbabwe.its a great news for all cricket fans.after such a long time we have something to cheer about.

its a new Start for the all-rounder after a year of torture.we missed him many time specially World cup semifinal against India.i hope he knows the pain of being out side the team.Same case with the boom Boom Afridi.

Most important thing today where we are now in Cricket world.believe me we are MUCH MUCH better team.may be one of the Best team in this world.unfortunately some "non-cricketing" problems(both in the team and in the Management) made it tough for us..


I wish Next player to join teams Pakistan is Mr.Boom Boom:afridi as we really need him back in the playing XI.So no more MALIK VS AFRIDI


we need unity.So you guys should welcome Shoaib malik and let him play his cricket ... PAKISTAN ZINDABAD ....:pkflag

[Zaz]

I was hoping I'd seen the back of this glorified tailender!

[shoaib malik fans]

I don't think Malik made a press statement against Yousuf. In fact, the only one I remember was the one where he said he can't believe Yousuf criticized him and that it was unfair.

Internally there were issues. No doubt about it.

However, in front of the media he never let it show. All of this while Yousuf gave 4-5 poor statements against Malik.

point to remember on his last century in S.Africa against India.malik gave the credit to Moyo for keeping him kool.i never dislike Mohammad Yousaf as he is a great player but i was hurt after his statements.

[blinding light]

Dwelling on the past is going to achieve nothing - past is said, done and dusted. Lets all please move on from there.

We have limited options now - if we wish to infuse experience with young blood, then including Malik is a good sign - he can be useful there.

What happens off-field, there is no telling. But then again, everything in life is pretty much a gamble. We've had controversy with and without Malik. Its time to move on and try and make the most of what we have.

[Markhor]

I'm all for giving people a second chance but I cannot respect the man who backstabbed and undermined a World Cup winning captain and spread malicious rumours about him being a 'dictator'.

He caused more harm than good during the 2009-2010 period where we got hammered by Australia and Pakistan cricket was at its lowest ebb during oath-gate. His 'I will expose Yousuf in 24 hours' statement was highly irresponsible.

What has he done to regain his spot in the side ? Sure, he has performed in domestic cricket but so has many other talented youngsters, plus we all know Malik can perform at home but away from home on seaming conditions it is a different story. The place would be better off going towards a youngster not towards recycling a divisive,politicking has-been who is living off his past glories vs India on flat tracks at home.

[IAJ]

Our middle order with Malik, Akmal and Misbah looks very strong. He is a good cricketer all around so nice to have him back in the team!

[nextover666666]

I hope Shoaib Bhai does well , i personally love the guy, he can bat really well, will never forget his performence in t20 world final he played a huge role, and in champions trophy 2009 vs India he was amazing, I personally think he should work on his batting rather than bowling, Pakistan have enough bowlers, we need some strong batsmen now:)

[Black Zero]

he said correctly about consistency.

He needs to be match winner like inzi (though Inzi was gifted and Malik attained skills through hard work). He needs to be a finisher as we can't rely on akmal(s)/misbah to finish the job.

So big ask for him to play both as an anchor and as a finisher.

[Saj]

Saj, how was his mode while talking?
normally, he seems least interested while talking to media.

He was absolutely fine.

Positive and ready for action.

Agreed to do the interview, gave a time and date and did the interview with no fuss.

Professionalism.

[Muzy]

hmm interesting comeback

is this the first time Malik gave an interview with PP coz if i remember rightly saj you were trying to get him to do a proper interview where pp set questions for him??

hope he really has changed for the sake of our depleated cricket future that shines so bright one day when the next day its lost

[Theo_14]

"I believe that if you look too far into the future, then the present can go wrong."

Malik is absolutely right there.

Malik has the opportunity to show his abilities and prove the doubters wrong. He seems mentaly prepared and is taking all this slowly and steadly which is the right and ideal way. First he needs to focus on producing quality performances and then once he's done with that... He should focus on the chance of taking the captaincy role.

It'll be easier for Malik to follow that policy then take the captaincy straight away - because taking the captaincy straight away will add more responsilbities, meaning extra pressure for Malik.

Whatever he does, and whatever he decides - let's hope it benefits him and the Pakistan cricket team. All the best to him.

[farazaidi]

We've just taken a step back to recall this guy. How can we move forward then? :inti

[shoaib malik fans]

We've just taken a step back to recall this guy. How can we move forward then? :inti

younus khan took back his retirement from t20s.what about this step.???he is torturing our Pakistani nation by playing limited overs cricket

[Ironcat]

younus khan took back his retirement from t20s.what about this step.???he is torturing our Pakistani nation by playing limited overs cricket
Two wrong won't make a right, now, will they?

[farazaidi]

younus khan took back his retirement from t20s.what about this step.???he is torturing our Pakistani nation by playing limited overs cricket

so you admit that this is indeed a step backwards? :afridi

[MajidBhuta-AamirFan]

Dear Malik,

Whatever you claim, one thing is sure you will get fail badly... period.. You may score few runs either against weak teams like ZM or BD on flat pitches but if i have to say your overall comeback in advance it will be a failure.. i know his fans won't like it but my perdictions are always based on few factors! where you can get litle bit success is odi matches batting at number 4-5... there is no other place where u can have any success.

lets see!

anyhow a broken heart good luck!!! and pray for idiots sitting in pcb otherwise player like you shouldn't come back like this way when there are so many young talented players available!

[MVP26]

Dear Malik,

Whatever you claim, one thing is sure you will get fail badly... period.. You may score few runs either against weak teams like ZM or BD on flat pitches but if i have to say your overall comeback in advance it will be a failure.. i know his fans won't like it but my perdictions are always based on few factors! where you can get litle bit success is odi matches batting at number 4-5... there is no other place where u can have any success.

lets see!

anyhow a broken heart good luck!!! and pray for idiots sitting in pcb otherwise player like you shouldn't come back like this way when there are so many young talented players available!

well said

[insaaniyat]

Said all the right things.

Credit has to be given to Malik, he's very good with the media. Rarely makes poor statements.
I agree with him, he needs to forget the captaincy for now and just put his head down and earn his spot. The rest will follow in due time if he ups his performances.

Unlike our other ex-captain.:)

[emclub]

http://www.nawaiwaqt.com.pk/E_Paper/23-08-2011/Lahore/p7-6_6.gif

[MajidBhuta-AamirFan]

http://www.nawaiwaqt.com.pk/E_Paper/23-08-2011/Lahore/p7-6_6.gif

Look like something written in urdu lang, as i know u r a malik fan, could be malik's wife welcomed him in this paragraph or she might have said he was Absolutely essential for the team... one thing i am missing in this piece of news her pictures, so it could be a diffferent person, i mean someone could be chairman's puppet!

can you please translate it into english or noreg? so fans like me can read it whats exactly sania has said for his poor hubby!,

thanks!

[emclub]

look like something written in urdu lang, as i know u r a malik fan, could be malik's wife welcomed him in this paragraph or she might have said he was absolutely essential for the team... One thing i am missing in this piece of news her pictures, so it could be a diffferent person, i mean someone could be chairman's puppet!

Can you please translate it into english or noreg? So fans like me can read it whats exactly sania has said for his poor hubby!,

thanks!

:))) :)))

OK sorry to disappoint you but its not his wife....

Its Tauqeer Zia, Aamir Sohail and Wasim Akram welcoming the return of Malik in the team and saying it'll help the team.....

[USIND]

Unlike our other ex-captain.:)

He was not that bad...he just had a large heart.:afridi :23:

[ninjafirstslip]

younus khan took back his retirement from t20s.what about this step.???he is torturing our Pakistani nation by playing limited overs cricket

sorry but i dont hate malik or anything but younis is twice the cricketer he will ever be. Respect your only 50 + batsmen he is the last of his kind.

[nitrous]

Oh god, why has PCB taken a step backwards... This guy is a mole and no good on bowler friendly wickets

[cricblogger]

Now we shall have three contenders for captaincy - Misbah, Afridi and Shoaib Malik. Plus a posible fourth. Yesterday I heard on geo super that Abdul Razzak has been offered captaincy after the Zimbabwe tour.

Get ready for more politics and grouping in the team.

[Saj]

btw there have been some reports that Malik has already signed for NBP from PIA.

Malik confirmed to me that he's not signed for NBP and remains a PIA player.

[emclub]

btw there have been some reports that Malik has already signed for NBP from PIA.

Malik confirmed to me that he's not signed for NBP and remains a PIA player.

hmm Iqbal Qasim made it up then :usman

[Saj]

hmm Iqbal Qasim made it up then :usman

I didnt realise Iqbal Qasim's word was gospel for you.

I'm quoting Malik himself, you can quote whoever you want.

Maybe there are some discussions going on, but as I said and Malik himself said to me, at this moment in time he is a PIA player.

[Zaz]

Malik is right - time to forget the past and move on and look forward

Hope that happens and malik gets dumped sooner or later

[Black Zero]

I didnt realise Iqbal Qasim's word was gospel for you.

I'm quoting Malik himself, you can quote whoever you want.

Maybe there are some discussions going on, but as I said and Malik himself said to me, at this moment in time he is a PIA player.

basically he hasn't cleared the air.

few questions:
- did he plan to leave pia and join nbp?
- was he offered one year contract by qasim?
- if the dispute with pia over promotion resolved?
- if he still looking for moving to other orgnization?

[Saj]

basically he hasn't cleared the air.

few questions:
- did he plan to leave pia and join nbp?
- was he offered one year contract by qasim?
- if the dispute with pia over promotion resolved?
- if he still looking for moving to other orgnization?

All I can say is that at this moment in time he is a PIA player....who knows what may happen :)

[Saj]

Not a great return to the international setup for Malik the other day.

It will be interesting to see how things develop with this segment of his career.

[W63L35]

Not a great return to the international setup for Malik the other day.

It will be interesting to see how things develop with this segment of his career.

He better score today on the flattest of the wicket and against the weakest of the bowling.... stage is set for both Farhat and Malik to shine today.

They score even score @ 30 or so runs, they are set for a permanent spot for next few series in UAE.... and everybody knows what kind of pitches we normally get there!

[Down2Earth]

he has been quite poor in the field today, looks like he isn't interested.

[W63L35]

"Time to Forget the Past, Move On and Look Forward" : Shoaib Malik
Well, the tour is over now.

[Momo]

Time to retire, perhaps?

[Sledger]

Look forward..

... oh it's the pavillion again.

:malik

[Saj]

He had a stinker in Zimbabwe and the FBT20 tournament couldn't have come at a better time for him.

He's looked in good form, confident and has led the Sialkot team well in this tournament.

It remains to be seen though whether the selectors will give him another chance at international cricket.

[Sledger]

This is what he'll be saying once :rr thrash his team tomorrow.