Former Pakistan national cricket team captain Shoaib Malik made a sensational revelation by rejecting a massive offer from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) a few months ago.
Malik, 42, was one of the longest-serving members of the Pakistan National Cricket Team, having played for the team in three formats from 1999 to 2021.
In total, Shoaib Malik played 446 international matches for Pakistan and scored 11,867 runs at an average of 33.90. With the ball, he took 218 international wickets at an average of 38.46, an economy of 4.47 and a strike rate of 51.5.
Looking at the experience that Shoaib Malik brings to the table, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently appointed him as the mentor of the Stallions, which is one of the teams participating in the Champions One-Day Cup.
Apart from Malik, the PCB has roped in Misbah-ul-Haq, Saqlain Mushtaq, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Waqar Younis to act as mentors. The tournament, which will involve the Dolphins, Lions, Panthers, Stallions and Wolves, will be played from September 12 to 29 at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.
However, according to Shoaib, this is not the first time that PCB has offered him a top job as ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, they approached him to become one of the selectors for the national team.
Speaking at a press conference at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Shoaib Malik revealed that he had rejected the PCB’s “absurd” offer to become the national team coach.
“I got an offer before the 2024 T20 World Cup. At that time there was no chief selector and the entire committee had equal power. Yes, I got the offer. However, I am still playing cricket. How can I select the cricketers I am currently playing with? It doesn’t make sense to me that you are also playing and are part of the selection committee.”
I think I can still play at the national level. That way, I can share my experience better – Shoaib Malik
Shoaib Malik further said that he still wants to play local cricket for Pakistan as it is a better way to help young players. He said:
“I am currently playing only in one format and will definitely take part in the domestic T20 competition. I think I can still play at the domestic level. That way, I can share my experience in a better way with the players.”
Shoaib Malik also made it very clear that he has no intention of being part of the Pakistan National Cricket Team at the age of 42.
“I have already said that I am not interested in playing for Pakistan. I have already retired from Tests and ODIs. I have no interest in being part of Pakistan’s T20I team. Yes, I will continue to play at the national level.
“There are some places where I will still play, but I have already informed some leagues that I will not be available. As for my retirement, I will stop it once and for all.”
