I knew Malik won't be respected, told him to take retirement together - Hafeez

Veteran batter Shoaib Malik is not part of the Pakistan squad for the T20 World Cup and it is likely he won't be given any farewell game as things stand after his recent tweet where he highlighted friendships, liking and disliking in the team.

His former teammate Mohammad Hafeez hailed Shoaib Malik's contribution for Pakistan and has advised the 40-year-old to take retirement together.

“Malik gave his best to Pakistan for about 21-22 years and maintaining your fitness standards for that long is absolutely remarkable,” Hafeez said.

“When I took my retirement, I told Malik to take retirement as well because I knew that he will not be respected as it was also evident in my case. My understanding was that he wanted one last standing but cricket is cruel like this,” he added.
 

Hafeez also recalled an incident where he suggested team management in the 2019 World Cup to give Malik a farewell game as he announced retirement from the 50-over game.

"Unfortunately, even when he had announced his retirement from ODI cricket, the farewell match was not given, realizing his services, the match should have been given. Our management has always been lacking when it comes to bidding them a farewell," he maintained.

Hafeez further added that it is unfortunate that a player like Shoaib Malik is not part of the T20 World Cup.

"If he had participated in the World Cup, the team would have got a senior player, don't talk about that he cannot play cut or pull, don't forget that he played cricket for 22 years so he didn't play these shots?. We need to understand; we need proper cricketers with whom we can make winning combination whether he is 40 or 20," he concluded.