Shoaib Malik insists he has ‘no plans’ about retirement

Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik has said that he is not considering retirement from Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket.

The 39-year-old had, recently, slammed the Pakistan team management for not allowing skipper Babar Azam to take independent decisions.

Malik also said that Pakistan team needs an international white-ball coach, while stating that the current team management relies on likes and dislikes.     

“I am saying very clearly today I have not even thought about retirement. I have no plans to retire now because I am fit, I can bat, and I can bowl,” Malik was quoted as saying by Press Trust of India.

“I have recently signed two-year contracts in some leagues so where does the question of me taking retirement after the World Cup arise,” he added.

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He reiterated that his fitness levels are in line with requirements of international cricket.

“I can field in hotspots, I can take two runs and I can save two runs. When I have to bowl I can also bowl and I am batting well. My fitness is top grade,” he said.

The former Pakistan captain has played in 35 Tests, 287 one-day internationals and 116 T20 internationals for his country. He has already brought the curtain down on his Test and ODI career.