Onus on Babar Azam over Shoaib Malik’s retirement

Veteran Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik has stated that he will continue playingT20 cricket for Pakistan until captain Babar Azam asks him to step aside.

The 40-year-old believes that communication with Azam will be key to his retirement plans.

“I asked Babar to communicate with me, even if that means playing limited series. He told me to play the series against Bangladesh and I did. Following that, we had a series against West Indies and Babar said he wanted to play a couple of youngsters and I stepped aside and rested for that series,” said Malik in an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan.

“I have asked Babar to tell me clearly even if my services are no longer required because clarity is the most important thing for every cricketer, especially for those who have served Pakistan cricket for as long as I have,” he added.

The Sialkot-born also claimed that he can represent Pakistan for another two to three years.

“As I said, I have clear and open communication with Babar. I can play for another two to three years but I have not made up my mind about it because I want to retire with respect. If Babar asks me to play then I will play otherwise I will step aside respectfully,” he concluded.

Malik has already retired from Test and ODI cricket.