Wasim Akram angrily reacts to a fan question regarding Malik's retirement

Shoaib Malik, the veteran all-rounder, was notably absent from Pakistan's Twenty20 World Cup squad.

The 40-year-old star was a team member at the previous year's World Cup but was omitted from the squad for Australia's tournament. Intriguingly, many former cricketers advocated for Malik's inclusion in the 15-man squad due to the middle-order batters' inconsistent performances; however, the selection committee maintained faith in the existing group of batters for the tournament.

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Following Malik's exclusion from the T20 World Cup, rumors circulated about the all-rounder's future in international cricket.

Before the start of the tournament, the Pakistan star was again asked about his future with the team on a national news channel's World Cup expert panel. A fan inquired whether Malik has already retired from international cricket, but former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram responded somewhat agitatedly.

Akram, an expert panel member alongside Malik and the pace bowling legend, did not attempt to hide his irritation at the fan's question.

"You guys are in a hurry for everything. If he has to retire, he will retire. Otherwise, even now, he is one of the fittest players in the world,” Akram said 

Akram then urged Malik to respond, who had a relatively straightforward reply to the question.

"When I will retire, everyone will know. I'm enjoying my cricket right now, so there's no plan for that now,” Malik stated.