‘Abhi iski umar hi kya hai’ – Fans react as Shoaib Malik confirms his availability in T20Is for Pakistan following DA vs JK LPL 2023 clash

Shoaib Malik is currently busy playing in the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL) for Jaffna Kings (JK). On 7 August 2023, he was in action during JK’s clash against Dambulla Aura (DA). However, Shoaib remained not out on 74 runs off 53 balls, including five fours and six sixes while chasing the 135-run target. 

But, his effort went in vain as his team lost the match by nine runs. But, after the match, during an interview on paktv.tv, he confirmed his availability to get selected in T20Is for the Men in Green in the near future. Shoaib also claimed that he has zero expectations from the current Pakistan skipper, Babar Azam and selectors.

“Zero expectations, and will play till I am enjoying”. – Shoaib Malik

Shoaib Malik said: “I have retired from Tests and ODIs. I had great stats when I was dropped, I am still available to play T20I cricket for Pakistan, but I don’t expect anything from the captain or selectors. Zero expectations, and will play till I am enjoying”. He last played for Pakistan in 2021 and that was his last T20I match. He has already taken retirement from both the ODI and Test formats. Speaking about his career in the shortest format of the game, Shoaib has played 124 matches and scored 2435 runs, at an average of 31.21 with a strike rate of 125.64. 

He has nine fifties to his name. With the ball also, he has taken 28 wickets so far. In the ongoing LPL season so far, this clash was his first game in this edition. Apart from his 74*-run knock, he managed to take two wickets for just 13 runs. Speaking of that match, DA batted first and scored 134 runs for eight wickets in 20 overs. In reply, JK scored just 125 runs for seven wickets in 20 overs. Hasan Ali won the Player of the Match award while Shoaib won the Striker of the Match award for scoring at a blistering rate.

Here is how fans have reacted: