I don’t discuss anything related to Pakistan cricket or my inclusion in the team with Babar: Shoaib Malik

Shoaib Malik and Babar Azam. (Photo Source: SHAHID SAEED MIRZA/AFP via Getty Images and ASIF HASSAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik was full of praise for skipper Babar Azam amidst criticism over his captaincy. Babar is going through an intermediate phase as Pakistan lost to England and New Zealand at home recently. He has also become the first skipper to suffer a 3-0 whitewash at home in Tests.

While talking in an interview, Malik said that Babar has performed well across the formats, calling him a ‘world-class player.’ The 41-year-old also said that they talk about Pakistan cricket only when Babar discusses something with him. He also added that he never talked to Babar about his inclusion in the team.

“Babar has performed in every corner of the world in every format. He is a world-class player, and I always want him to grow as a better batsman. I don’t discuss anything related to Pakistan cricket with Babar, but when he discusses something with me, then I always talk about it, whether it’s about me or any other player. But I don’t communicate with him regarding my inclusion in the team,” Malik said while speaking to Cricket Pakistan.

“Babar is like my little brother and a friend. I don’t want to cause any discomfort to him. During the T20 World Cup in UAE, Babar told me that they will go with the same squad for the T20 World Cup 2022,” he added.

I am not thinking about taking retirement from T20 cricket: Malik

When asked about his retirement plan, and calling time on his career, the 41-year-old stated that he still has some goals to achieve, and when he doesn’t enjoy his cricket anymore, he will leave cricket.

“I am not thinking about taking retirement from T20 cricket. My aim is to score 15,000 runs and take 200 T20 wickets. Whenever I feel that my performance is not up to the mark or I am getting bored, then I will say goodbye to every format of cricket,” he said.

“Also, I have stopped thinking about making a comeback for the Pakistan team. I always try to avail any opportunity. Whenever the team or management needs me, or they want my advice regarding team coordination or anything, I am always there,” he concluded.

Malik is currently part of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) team Karachi Kings. He captained the national team from 2007 to 2009. The all-rounder announced his retirement from Test cricket in 2015 and One Day International (ODI) in 2019.