Shoaib Malik Retires From Test cricket, Leaves Pakistan Cricket in Shock
Shoaib Malik played 35 Tests for Pakistan. The Test against England in Sharjah will be his last. He made a dramatic return last month after five years in exile
Shoaib Malik, who is currently playing the Sharjah Test against England, has decided to retire from the five-day format. The former Pakistan captain and all-rounder will continue to play limited overs cricket. (Shoaib Malik Hits Maiden Double Hundred)
Malik's sudden announcement on Tuesday to retire at the end of the Sharjah Test came as a surprise. He made a stunning return to Test cricket in Abu Dhabi last month. He scored a career-best 245 in Pakistan's first innings. Malik, who made a dramatic return after playing his last Test in Edgbaston in 2010, had replaced an injured Azhar Ali. He is playing his 35th Test. (Pakistan vs England Third Test: Scorecard)
Malik said it was "time to move on" during Day 3's play in Sharjah. After his fantastic double hundred, Malik's form nosedived sharply. On Tuesday, he was trapped LBW for 0, a big in-swinger from James Anderson doing all the damage. Malik hadn't got into double figures in his last four innings.
Inspired by wife Sania Mirza
The 33-year former Pakistan skipper has been in and out of the national side since making his Test debut against Bangladesh in Multan in August 2001. He had credited wife Sania Mirza for inspiring him to play for Pakistan again. Sania is currently the No. 1 player in women's doubles tennis. (Shoaib Malik Credits Wife Sania Mirza for inspired performance)
Malik has played 227 ODIs and with close to 6000 runs as a middle-order batsman, he remains among Pakistan's first choice all-rounders. Malik has taken 147 wickets with his off-spins and will now focus on the 2019 ICC World Cup in England.
"We have some good youngsters and now is the time to retire," Malik said in Sharjah. "Family comes first. I want to focus on the 2019 World Cup."
Malik had turned out for Delhi Daredevils in 2008, the only time Pakistan players turned out in the Indian Premier League. He should be in the Pakistan squad for the World T20 in India next year and the Asia Cup in Bangladesh before that.