Shoaib Malik reveals he turned down PCB’s offer to become selector before T20 World Cup 2024

Pakistan were knocked out in the group stage of the T20 World Cup.

By Salman Anjum - 31 Aug, 2024

Veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik has revealed that he had turned down an offer from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to become a selector for the senior men's team just before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

The Men in Green were knocked out in the group stage of the showpiece tournament after losing to debutants USA and arch-rivals India.

While Malik is yet to officially announce his retirement from international cricket, he hasn't represented Pakistan in any format since November 2021.

Malik said he rejected PCB’s offer as he was still playing domestic T20 cricket. “I got an offer before the 2024 T20 World Cup. There was no chief selector then and the entire committee had the same power,” he told reporters.

"Yes, I got the offer. However, I am still playing some cricket. How can I select the cricketers with whom I am playing currently? It does not make sense to me that you are playing as well and are part of the selection committee too."

The 42-year-old all but confirmed his international retirement by stating that he wasn't interested in playing for Pakistan any more.

“I currently play just one format, and I will surely play in the domestic T20 competition. I think I can still play at the domestic level. That way, I can share my experience in a better way with the players,” he said.

"I have already said that I am not interested in playing for Pakistan. I have already retired from Tests and ODIs. I have no interest in being part of Pakistan's T20I team. Yes, I will continue playing at the domestic level. There are a few places where I still go and play, but I have already communicated to some leagues that I won't be available. Regarding my retirement, I will leave it all at once."

Shoaib Malik represented Pakistan in 35 Tests, 287 ODIs and 124 T20Is, amassing a total of 11,867 runs with 12 centuries across formats.

By Salman Anjum - 31 Aug, 2024

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