Dubai. Shoaib Malek is one of the senior most players in the Pakistan team. He has played different roles since his international debut way back in Sharjah in October 1999. Though retired from Test cricket, playing his last Test match too in Sharjah in November 2015, this former Pakistan captain is still fit and one of the finest allrounders in the game.
Malek has the unique distinction of playing under many captains and even selectors.
Speaking exclusively to Gulf News on being the most experienced player of the team, he said: “Well being a senior player I aim for consistency. My second goal is to help the youngsters. If I am successful in these two areas, I am sure I am serving the team well and Pakistan cricket.”
How does it feel to be playing under young captains and does he give advice to players and captains? “I always give advice even if someone don’t ask me. I feel it’s my responsibility and I get immense satisfaction helping the youngsters. It’s not about whether I am a captain or not, I feel it is my duty to share my experience with youngsters and I feel proud when I do it. I will always be helping the new captain or anybody who comes in front of me. I feel professionally it’s my responsibility to help players in the team.”
Does he still cherish any goal? “My goal is to play in the 2019 World Cup and that’s why I retired from Test cricket. There were other reasons as well but the primary goal is to be part of the World cup because I want to see Pakistan do well there.”
Malek knows the West Indies players better than most of his teammates as he has been playing in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
“West Indies is similar to Pakistan. One day they will be too good and another day like us they will be struggling. Since I am playing in the CPL for the last four years I have seen most of their players. Their skills are the same like Pakistan. Most of the players that played in the recent World Cup are not here but still they have some skilful players. We need to make decent plans and execute them well to win over them. We are well prepared and it’s been just a week since we played out last game against England.”
