Under-fire Malek is hoping for a turnaround

Abu Dhabi: When Shoaib Malek came to Abu Dhabi last year in May for a three-match one-day series against World Cup finalists Sri Lanka, it was his first assignment as skipper of a Pakistan team which had just recovered from a disastrous World Cup and the exit of Inzamam-ul-Haq.

When Gulf News met him for an exclusive interview, Malek even took out a piece of paper on which he had probably written down some notes! Now 18 months later, he exudes a lot more confidence - though there is no doubting the fact that he is a man under pressure.

Lone battle

Malek had led Pakistan to a 2-1 win over Sri Lanka last time out and waged a lone battle in the last match with an unbeaten 79 - a contest which they eventually lost.

The Pakistan skipper will again be looking for a winning 'restart' under a new coach. Drug scandals, Shoaib Akhtar's ban and now Mohammad Yousuf's absence - along with questions about his leadership qualities - have all added pressure on a man whose team is hugely short of international cricket. But with the backing of the PCB, Malek will be looking to turn things around starting here in the UAE capital.

When asked how the team will cope with the absence of Mohammad Yousuf, a diplomatic Malek said: "Great players will come and go but cricket still continues. We have a lot of young guys and we will try and work things out."

Commenting on the criticism over his leadership qualities, Malek said: "I can't do anything about it. As far as the criticism is concerned, I try to take it in a positive way."

"This series is a great opportunity for us before the India series early next year. It is disappointing that we haven't had much cricket," said Malek, who won the Kitply Trophy against their arch rivals before again getting knocked out of the Asia Cup.

Commenting on his immediate rivals here, Malek said the West Indies have a lot of talent and it will be a close contest.

Having been in the squad for nearly 10 years now, Malek knows that success is the only way to silence his critics.