Shoaib Malik calls time on his ODI career after World Cup exit

Pakistan stalwart Shoaib Malik has retired from ODI cricket following his side’s exit from the ongoing 2019 World Cup in England. The all-rounder played his last match in the campaign against India where he was bowled on the first ball. The 37-year old was dropped from the side after two consecutive ducks. With Pakistan bowing out of the tournament, Malik has decided to walk away from the stage.

“As I mentioned in my previous interviews, whenever I gave interviews, that I’m going to retire from World Cup cricket. Today was our last game, and I’m retiring from ODI cricket,” Malik said in the press conference after the match.

“I had planned this for a few years ago to retire on the last Pakistan World Cup match. I’m sad that I’ll be leaving the format of cricket that I once loved, but happy that I’ll have more time to spend with my family. This will also allow me to focus on Twenty20 cricket.

Today I retire from One Day International cricket. Huge Thank you to all the players I have played with, coaches I have trained under, family, friends, media, and sponsors. Most importantly my fans, I love you all#PakistanZindabad ?? pic.twitter.com/zlYvhNk8n0

— Shoaib Malik ?? (@realshoaibmalik) July 5, 2019

“I would like to thank some of the most important people whose support and backing helped me through these 20 years of international cricket.

“Starting with the players I shared dressing rooms with, all the coaches I have under, my friends and family, the media, my sponsors, the Pakistan cricket board and Pakistan sports board.

“But most importantly, my fans. I love you all. Thank you,” Malik said.

The all-rounder retires as Pakistan’s fourth-most capped cricketer in the 50-over format. He played in 287 ODIs and scored 7,534 runs which included nine centuries and 44 half-centuries. Malik with his off-spin has 158 scalps. The middle-order batsman made his ODI debut on 14th October 1999 at Sharjah against West Indies. This was Malik’s only second World Cup campaign in his 20-year old career.