Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Nasim Ashraf hailed the services of Pakistan’s veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik in a farewell message.

The all-rounder announced his retirement from One-day International (ODI) cricket after Pakistan’s early exit from the 2019 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup on Friday.

The former Chairman praised the role the veteran played in mentoring the younger players of the Pakistan team.

“Shoaib [Malik] was the ‘mother hen’ in the dressing room. Always helping and mentoring any and all,” he said.

Ashraf quoted a conversation with the late Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer who was vocal about Malik’s cricketing talent.

“Coach Bob Woolmer told me in 2003 that Shoaib Malik had one of the ‘best’ cricketing brains. Shoaib served his country and team with dignity and honour,” he said.

The former Chairman believed that Malik was a true ambassador of the ‘Old school’ approach to cricket and thanked him for his services.

“He is amazingly self-effacing and truly humble. A Gentleman Cricketer of the ‘Old School’ approach. Thank you Shoaib! For enriching Pakistan cricket. We will miss you,” he concluded.