Aaqib Javed says Shoaib Malik is still Pakistan's best middle-order batter

Former Pakistan pacer Aaqib Javed thinks veteran Shoaib Malik is still the best middle-order batter for the Men in Green.

The 40-year-old last represented Pakistan in Bangladesh after the 2021 T20 World Cup. He is not included in the squad for Asia Cup 2022, the tournament which will serve as a preparatory tournament before the 2022 T20 World Cup.

Lahore Qalandars' head coach says Pakistan has not found Malik's replacement yet. "Pakistan doesn't have a replacement for Shoaib Malik. He perfectly fits at the No.4 spot. Tell me is there anyone apart from him?" he told pak.tv.

Aaqib further added to try Shan Masood if Malik is not part of the side. "I have been saying this for a long time now that Shan Masood should be tested at this position. Viewing grounds of Australia, a batter playing proper cricketing shots would succeed there," he added.

"Aaqib emphasised that the batters in Pakistan's middle-order are limited. "Iftikhar Ahmed is in and out for last five years and has not made an impact while Khushdil Shah and Asif Ali is one-dimensional players," he maintained.