Why does Shoaib Malik get so much criticism from fans?

[Sean143]

I think he has evolved in the last year or so (if you notice he has changed his grip a little bit after CT which has allowed him more leverage for stroke play) and can be a perfect no 6 .As far as playing on bouncy wickets is concerned he has improved a little bit(In the past he couldn't do anything about deliveries targeting his ribs but the slight change in grip has allowed him leverage and he is a little less late now).

[Pete Rose]

not sure if you followed this series.

[IM NOT YOU]

Malik has easily been the best Pakistani batsman in every format all across the globe in both domestic and international cricket.

It is actually ridiculously amateur to criticize him. He is one of our very few international class batsman.



Hafeez and Azhar deserve criticism as they have failed in every format anywhere and everywhere around the world.


Opening post spot on. Lots of guys should be given the boot but definitely not Malik

[Chief Destroyer]

Malik, the people's champ.

[Plumb]

The guy is a politician. OP not sure what you watched to come to the conclusion that he has improved. Somethings never changes like hafeez/ azhar batting. Malik was neither a decent bat nor a good bowler

[shah_1]

Malik is criticized for being a lion in UAE but turns out to be a kitten when he faces quality fast bowling in alien condition.

[Suleiman]

People were willing to give him a chance because he was a beast in suitable conditions but there were questions over his ability outside Asia. He has failed yet again just like he did years ago the moment he stepped in to face 130+ pacers.

He deserves what's coming his way. Probably still the best player of spin in the team, but you don't need to be a gifted fast bowler for him to hang out his bat and give you a wicket.

[Plumb]

Isn’t that most if pak batting consist of? When ball comes below knees ll play like lion. Little movement or height forget it

[ask_analyse_act]

Malik has excellent to good stats since his return to international cricket. But suffered his way through and still trying to do better in alien conditions. He had few escapes with illness and injuries during overseas tours to England and Australia in the recent past but now getting exposed in alien conditions. Among the seniors he is the one who has purchased the modern day cricket of scoring quick which he had in him naturally in the past so it wasn’t foreign for him to adapt n score quickly.

[blackanhyellow]

Because your experienced players should lead from the front on these tough tours.

Yet its the most inexperienced players who are the most contributing members of the team on this tour:

fakhar
shadab
faheem
hasan
rumman

Malik is an experienced player so there is much expected of him. He can't just perform when its easy.

[Arham_PakFan]

Because he is a poor player of pace and his filled his boot against minnows/bad bowling attacks.He has failed against good bowling attacks and on pitches that are slightly harder to play on.He was rubbish in the CT.He scored some soft,impact-less runs in the last ODI in England.I don’t recall his performance in Australia atm so he must not have been impressive.

[Usman Chadda]

Shoaib Malik's inability to put ball to pacers on overseas wickets has been a feature throughout his career. But to be honest he hasn't masqueraded as anything more than a useful player, like Mohammed Hafeez. Malik has always been a you-get-what-you-see kinda guy. Hafeez's pompous attitude while being out of depth irks a lot of fans here.

[waleed88]

I don't care how badly people hate Hafeez, he played an incredible knock in the CT final (one-off), and despite his age produced the goods in one game vs NZ, despite everyone else failing around him. Malik for all his credentials on flat track has been woeful away from Asia.

No scoring a 40 in a low scoring game win against Australia doesn't count.

[Bewal Express]

Him, Azhar Ali and Hafeez should all be dropped forever.

[Markhor]

What did I say ? People were going gaga over Malik's form in Asia where he bullied SL and WI to his heart's content.

But he cannot play quality pace outside Asia - his record in England and NZ is shameful.

Before I said we needed to drop one of Hafeez or Malik. Now I want both out. 18 years is enough.

[The_Odd_One]

Azhar out Amin in
Hafeez out Harris in
Malik out Yamin in

There are already better replacements.

[Markhor]

Azhar out Amin in
Hafeez out Harris in
Malik out Yamin in

There are already better replacements.

Let's see if Sarfraz has the guts to drop these seniors. Some big calls need to be made, shame we've waited until we've lost the series.

[Veteran]

Shoaib still deserves a place in the side. He can still contribute with the ball and is one of our better fielders. Also I admire the fact that he maintains his fitness and is always hustling. Azhar and Hafeez have no place in modern cricket. Shoaib does.

[babajee]

Malik is the real “professor”

[Syed1]

I think because of the time zone difference you haven't been following the matches

[CricketAnalyst]

Agree totally with OP.

Of all these players, Malik consistently gets picked by franchises for T20. There's a reason. He's genuinely competent and good at limited overs cricket. Not true for Hafeez (anymore) or Azhar.

[miandadrules]

Agree totally with OP.

Of all these players, Malik consistently gets picked by franchises for T20. There's a reason. He's genuinely competent and good at limited overs cricket. Not true for Hafeez (anymore) or Azhar.

Absolutely!

Everyone knows that the cheques he collects from those T20 leagues are immediately translated to international runs.

[Hedz]

Malik has easily been the best Pakistani batsman in every format all across the globe in both domestic and international cricket.

It is actually ridiculously amateur to criticize him. He is one of our very few international class batsman.



Hafeez and Azhar deserve criticism as they have failed in every format anywhere and everywhere around the world.


Opening post spot on. Lots of guys should be given the boot but definitely not Malik

Failed in every format? Common talk sense. Azhar Ali is our best test batsman and has made runs around the world

Hafeez also has been performing since the West Indies series

[Sirris]

Where is the development when he is still failing in the NZ?

[IMMY69]

Can’t beleive we’re still talking about Malik in 2018...

[miandadrules]

Can’t beleive we’re still talking about Malik in 2018...

By the way his fans are carrying on, I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re talking about him in 2028.

[Hamstead_joy]

I think he has evolved in the last year or so (if you notice he has changed his grip a little bit after CT which has allowed him more leverage for stroke play) and can be a perfect no 6 .As far as playing on bouncy wickets is concerned he has improved a little bit(In the past he couldn't do anything about deliveries targeting his ribs but the slight change in grip has allowed him leverage and he is a little less late now).

He is playing for 18 years around 260+ odi matches, he is the seniormost player in Pakistan team, has toured New Zealand 4 times, played against them 7 times in a bilateral or trilateral odi series and a 19 year old Shadab Khan is playing better than him on the first tour whereas someones happy his technique has finally improved after playing for 18 years.
Same for Hafeez who has played 200 matches and Azhar who has played 54 odis. The top 4 batting that has screwed Pakistan's chances is the most experience even Babar Azam is on his 2nd tour to New Zealand whereas they could'nt add 15 runs together in latest odi, and the first time visiting PAkistani no.8, no.9 bowlers have made more runs than them. Time for criticism has gone past 5 years back how are they in the team is the only thing that should be asked.

[coy0607]

I get your point - I agree that he's been a much better performer over the past 2 years, and easily a few leagues better than Hafeez and particularly Azhar

but the fact is, he has major flaws, and there is no end game to counting with him.

He's not going to improve, why even stick with him at this point? He's not a Inzamam or a Tedulkar or Lara who can carry on because of his legacy and stature

[Prince of Pakistan]

Malik will always be criticized as for many he is a TTF.

Yes he has serious issues against genuine pace, but still scores a lot of runs in Asian conditions or other flat tracks. The guy has won a lot of games since 2015. Pakistan usually plays most of its games in Asia anyway so maybe not wise to kick him out for one series only.

[Sirris]

Malik will always be criticized as for many he is a TTF.

Yes he has serious issues against genuine pace, but still scores a lot of runs in Asian conditions or other flat tracks. The guy has won a lot of games since 2015. Pakistan usually plays most of its games in Asia anyway so maybe not wise to kick him out for one series only.

How about grooming a proper middle order batsman who is decent in Asia and overseas?

[BakuGM]

This thread is a joke, Malik has been a useless player for the longest time. Regardless of what needs to be done with Azhar ir Hafeez, Malik needs to be dropped now and put in place a plan for getting his replacement ready for the World Cup.

[batfirst]

Malik at best is a minnow basher. He has scored against
Zimbabwe, weakened West Indies, weakened Sri Lankan
sides and some people think he is the next bradman.

Take him out of Asia against any decent side and he
will struggle to get to a 50. Whilst our bowlers like
Hasan Ali and shadab are making 50's.

Hafeez and Malik should be dropped for good.

[prop558]

This thread is a joke, Malik has been a useless player for the longest time. Regardless of what needs to be done with Azhar ir Hafeez, Malik needs to be dropped now and put in place a plan for getting his replacement ready for the World Cup.

Both Malik & Hafeez are useless players. So as Ahmed Shahzad and Akmal brothers.

Asad Shafiq should be brought back in ODIs format.

[MMHS]

I still'll say - Malik shouldn't be in this list with MoHa & Azhar.

No one (well almost everyone - I did read post 2015 Mian to be one of the best ODI batsmen ever for PAK claimed him to be a hunk against pacers and he is failing predictably. Difference is, guy had been a beast in his favorable condition, which the other 2 hardly been. I don't think, it's justified to bring against whom or where, because PAK's record in those period also is built mostly against same opponents, barring that CT win.

Any way, these 3 had the chance to leave on high after CT win - these days, still they could have made a decent earning from PLs & SLs after retirement; but sadly (for PAK cricket) they backed on Ul Haq and he is serving them perfectly - won't be surprised in MoHa opens against AUS in Test, come October.

[miandadrules]

Malik will always be criticized as for many he is a TTF.

Yes he has serious issues against genuine pace, but still scores a lot of runs in Asian conditions or other flat tracks. The guy has won a lot of games since 2015. Pakistan usually plays most of its games in Asia anyway so maybe not wise to kick him out for one series only.

Totally agree!

Just to shut these haters up, why don’t you list all the matches he has won for us.

Then we can finally close these pathetic threads.

[Savak]

Can't criticize too many Pakistani players for being minnow bashers, we have never had any quality batsman who was consistent against good quality bowling attacks barring Javed Mianded. Inzi and Yousaf fell short 9 times out ten against South Africa and Australia

[Sirris]

Both Malik & Hafeez are useless players. So as Ahmed Shahzad and Akmal brothers.

Asad Shafiq should be brought back in ODIs format.

Let's keep it rational. I agree with your sentiments but you have been demanding for Asad Shafiq's recall a lot lately. I don't think he deserves a spot in the ODI team.

[Sirris]

Can't criticize too many Pakistani players for being minnow bashers, we have never had any quality batsman who was consistent against good quality bowling attacks barring Javed Mianded. Inzi and Yousaf fell short 9 times out ten against South Africa and Australia

So let's stick with Hafeez and Malik?

"At least I am not as fat as her"

[ExplicitAI]

People are quick to forget that he's been the one carting the ball everywhere in T20's, he's been one of our best batsmen in ODI's though. Only blemish is that he hasn't been as good against quality swing bowling on a juicy green pitch.

[miandadrules]

People are quick to forget that he's been the one carting the ball everywhere in T20's, he's been one of our best batsmen in ODI's though. Only blemish is that he hasn't been as good against quality swing bowling on a juicy green pitch.

That is the ONLY thing.

And it’s such an inconsequential thing at that.

There is a reason he has been nicknamed King Arthur by the opposition. I wonder where Excalibur will strike next?

[Sirris]

People are quick to forget that he's been the one carting the ball everywhere in T20's, he's been one of our best batsmen in ODI's though. Only blemish is that he hasn't been as good against quality swing bowling on a juicy green pitch.

My hypothesis is that if we replace Malik with a new upcoming middle order batsman and give him the backing that Malik enjoys then he might provide us with better results.

Can we test this hypothesis, please?

It is actually odd that we haven't tried out any new middle order batsmen for a long time, while we did introduce new openers and lower order batsmen.

[finalfantasy7]

because all the players you have listed are senior players - who have played in NZ many times - and look like thr a new young player- playing for the first time at NZ

[miandadrules]

My hypothesis is that if we replace Malik with a new upcoming middle order batsman and give him the backing that Malik enjoys then he might provide us with better results.

Can we test this hypothesis, please?

It is actually odd that we haven't tried out any new middle order batsmen for a long time, while we did introduce new openers and lower order batsmen.

You better make sure this up and coming batsman has an Instagram account. Otherwise these guys ain’t going for it.

[BakuGM]

You better make sure this up and coming batsman has an Instagram account. Otherwise these guys ain’t going for it.

Mindadrules you are wasting your sarcasm on the wrong crowd. They will have you believe that Malik Sahib (the most useless cricketer whom have played 20 or more games for the country) can actually walk on water.....

[miandadrules]

Mindadrules you are wasting your sarcasm on the wrong crowd. They will have you believe that Malik Sahib (the most useless cricketer Pakistan whom have played 20 or more games for the country) can actually walk on water.....

I saw him do with my own eyes on rainy day at Lords.

[Hasan123]

Malik can be kept around but he shouldn't be a guaranteed starter like he is now.

Bored of talking about how useless Azhar and Hafeez are in LO.

[msb314]

Malik deserves criticism during this tour.

Hasn't contributed one bit and seems to knick it to slips whilst playing away from his body after surviving for a few deliveries....

Atleast Hafeez scored 60 odd in the 2nd ODI.

[Rayyman]

Malik deserves criticism during this tour.

Hasn't contributed one bit and seems to knick it to slips whilst playing away from his body after surviving for a few deliveries....

Atleast Hafeez scored 60 odd in the 2nd ODI.

Exactly. People like Malik because he is a nice guy. Problem is that doesn't matter. What matters is performance. And he hasn't given any. If he's such a good mentor make him coach. But he's not a good enough player. It's high time Azhar and Malik are dropped for Imam and Haris.

[Pete Rose]

Malik deserves criticism during this tour.

Hasn't contributed one bit and seems to knick it to slips whilst playing away from his body after surviving for a few deliveries....

Atleast Hafeez scored 60 odd in the 2nd ODI.

Malik should go.
Hafeez should go.
There aren’t too many nuances to it

[babajee]

Exactly. People like Malik because he is a nice guy. Problem is that doesn't matter. What matters is performance. And he hasn't given any. If he's such a good mentor make him coach. But he's not a good enough player. It's high time Azhar and Malik are dropped for Imam and Haris.

He can carry drinks and give motivational talks on the bench.

[msb314]

Malik should go.
Hafeez should go.
There aren’t too many nuances to it

and Azhar and Sarfraz too.

[Rayyman]

He can carry drinks and give motivational talks on the bench.

Malik has done jack for us in the past few years. Simply feasted off Zimbabwe, WI and SL. Any random batsmen in Pak. could've done that.

In England 2016 series he flopped every match except the last dead rubber. Should've been kicked out then, but he wasn't, so should be kicked out now.

[Pete Rose]

and Azhar and Sarfraz too.

Azhar yes, Sarfaraz no

[Pete Rose]

Malik has done jack for us in the past few years. Simply feasted off Zimbabwe, WI and SL. Any random batsmen in Pak. could've done that.

In England 2016 series he flopped every match except the last dead rubber. Should've been kicked out then, but he wasn't, so should be kicked out now.

And against Australia as well

[msb314]

Azhar yes, Sarfaraz no

Sarfraz has a lot to be accountable for.

His own batting performances continue to decline series after series.

And unfortunately no - moving him to no. 4 is not justifiable at all when Babar, Haris and even Malik are superior batsman to him. He had to adjust to the no. 6 position or else be booted out.

[Usman Chadda]

Sarfraz has a lot to be accountable for.

His own batting performances continue to decline series after series.

And unfortunately no - moving him to no. 4 is not justifiable at all when Babar, Haris and even Malik are superior batsman to him. He had to adjust to the no. 6 position or else be booted out.

Sarfraz is far superior to Hafeez and Malik as a batsman. He has sacrificed himself for these two and playing out of position where he is a useless duck. Malik specially has looked like a tail ender, with his feet going absolutely nowhere. Just cannot play bounce at pace at all. Even after 250 ODIs, if your senior batsman gets out that way, the rest will definitely be affected.

[shaz619]

What did I say ? People were going gaga over Malik's form in Asia where he bullied SL and WI to his heart's content.

But he cannot play quality pace outside Asia - his record in England and NZ is shameful.

Before I said we needed to drop one of Hafeez or Malik. Now I want both out. 18 years is enough.

I just came in this thread to read what Markhor would expectedly post

[the Great Khan]

the greatest cricketing brain in Pakistan. A true legend. His innings was one of the greatest I have ever seen. Reminded me of the time he hit Anderson for 6 sixes at the Oval in 2010..

[IMMY69]

the greatest cricketing brain in Pakistan. A true legend. His innings was one of the greatest I have ever seen. Reminded me of the time he hit Anderson for 6 sixes at the Oval in 2010..

You’re wrong.
The fifth ball was a no ball so he in fact hit a record 7 six’s in an over.

[Markhor]

Shoaib still deserves a place in the side. He can still contribute with the ball and is one of our better fielders. Also I admire the fact that he maintains his fitness and is always hustling. Azhar and Hafeez have no place in modern cricket. Shoaib does.

We also need Malik for his mid-tournament pep talks and to carry injured players off the field.

[miandadrules]

the greatest cricketing brain in Pakistan. A true legend. His innings was one of the greatest I have ever seen. Reminded me of the time he hit Anderson for 6 sixes at the Oval in 2010..

If a shot ever deserved 12 runs, that was it.

[hailian]

Azhar Ali average is better than Malik, Hafeez and Safraz in ODIs and Tests. Azhar Ali majority of the score in in away series while Malik,Hafeez and Sarfraz are home tigers only.

[the Great Khan]

You’re wrong.
The fifth ball was a no ball so he in fact hit a record 7 six’s in an over.

oh yes your right , how could I forget. I got mixed up with the innings in tha match against australia where he smashed watson all over Lords.

I agree with everyone. We should simply let Malik choose where he wants to bat. He's that good. Can never be dropped and anyone suggesting it is high.

[Arham_PakFan]

lol at people saying he contributes with bowl.How many overs has he bowled in total in ODI’s since his comeback in 2015?Less than 30,I’d wager.

[prop558]

Azhar Ali average is better than Malik, Hafeez and Safraz in ODIs and Tests. Azhar Ali majority of the score in in away series while Malik,Hafeez and Sarfraz are home tigers only.

How can Sarfraz be called as "home tiger" ? ..

He scored century in England, He scored century in Australia, he scored 90 in England. Something what your tigers like Misbah, Malik, Hafeez, Akmal brothers and Ahmed Shahzad can only dream of.

Didn't you know his average at top 5 positions ?

He is doing blunder with himself by not coming at upper numbers.

[hailian]

How can Sarfraz be called as "home tiger" ? ..

He scored century in England, He scored century in Australia, he scored 90 in England. Something what your tigers like Misbah, Malik, Hafeez, Akmal brothers and Ahmed Shahzad can only dream of.

Didn't you know his average at top 5 positions ?

He is doing blunder with himself by not coming at upper numbers.

His 100 against England was a class 100 no doubt and thats the only good innings outside home h has played. The one in Aus was against Ireland and he begged it from Umar Akmal, other wise UA would have finished that match 5 overs ago.

[prop558]

His 100 against England was a class 100 no doubt and thats the only good innings outside home h has played. The one in Aus was against Ireland and he begged it from Umar Akmal, other wise UA would have finished that match 5 overs ago.

What about that 49 against SA in NZ in WC 2015

What about that 90 vs England ?

Has any other batsman scored century in that WC 2015 ?? So called champions like Misbah, Akmal, Ahmed Shahzad ???

In modern day cricket centuries aren't a big deal while we pakistanis are still in 80s and 90s

[PakSarZameen]

Malik is not a player who will save a sinking ship.

If you have a solid base i.e. 150-3 in 30 overs, Malik will 9 out of 10 times perform and finish the match for you.

[BakuGM]

Malik, what a champion batsman for Pakistan. Maybe the greatest ever to have ever played.

[Lefthanded]

How many other Pakistani batsmen averaged 57 or better last year?

[BakuGM]

In Asia?

[BakuGM]

When has he ever scored in Aus, NZ, Eng or SA?

[Lefthanded]

How many other Pakistani batsmen averaged 57 or better last year?

[Babar Azam did, but other than that?]

[coy0607]

Malik is not a player who will save a sinking ship.

If you have a solid base i.e. 150-3 in 30 overs, Malik will 9 out of 10 times perform and finish the match for you.

Pakistan will NEVER be 150-3 in 30 overs against quality bowling

That's why Malik should only play T20s

[Arham_PakFan]

What a legendary innings he played today.THIS is why he can’t be criticised.He is simply too good for the rest of our batsmen to compete with.

[Sher Khan]

Whenever Pakistan does badly and Malik happens to be playing- he gets pinpointed and made the scapegoat by fans. It's happening on a regular basis ever since the 2014 wt20.

I personally like him a lot. He is different to most Pakistani cricketers. In that he prioritises his fitness and is an athletic fielder. He is also a good rotator of the strike and plays clever shots manipulating the field set. He also plays in a calculating, wise manner- knowing when to change gears. Furthermore, his a good clean striker of the ball.

[Kroll]

A few things, some of the main ones by his detractors is can't play pace and is one of the seniors that's hogging a place in the team. I personally think he's done quite well since his comeback. After all, the issue of playing pace is a problem for most of our batsmen.

[the Great Khan]

Whenever Pakistan does badly and Malik happens to be playing- he gets pinpointed and made the scapegoat by fans. It's happening on a regular basis ever since the 2014 wt20.

I personally like him a lot. He is different to most Pakistani cricketers. In that he prioritises his fitness and is an athletic fielder. He is also a good rotator of the strike and plays clever shots manipulating the field set. He also plays in a calculating, wise manner- knowing when to change gears. Furthermore, his a good clean striker of the ball.

How long have you been watching Malik sahib by chance??

[Sher Khan]

How long have you been watching Malik sahib by chance??

Well his career is about as old as me. So haven't followed it completely. But his definetly one of the few intelligent cricketers in our current setup. I agree, he wasn't as consistent before his comeback but the ability was always there. It was just that he seemed to play for his place earlier as well as team politics I guess.

[The_Odd_One]

His approach is right, understands the modern game and not a selfish batsman like the rest but he's a very limited batsman who is a proven failure against fast bowlers.