Shoaib Malik, the veteran Pakistani cricketer has called for the resumption of bilateral cricket ties between India and Pakistan. He said that it needs to resume as soon as possible as the cricketing world badly needs it just like England and Australia cannot imagine Test cricket without the Ashes.
The two Asian neighbors have not played a full-series since 2007 due to political tensions between the two nations. And their last bilateral limited-overs series came in 2012-13. They only play each other in ICC events and Asia Cup.
"I think the world badly needs this rivalry to resume, in the same way, that world cricket needs the Ashes. Could England and Australia imagine Test cricket without an Ashes series? Both series are played with the same kind of passion and have such a great history, so it is a shame that we don't play right now,” Malik told PakPassion.net in an interview.
"Also, I have Pakistani friends who love to talk about Indian cricketers with respect and admiration. Similarly, I and my Pakistan team-mates are given such love and support when we play in India so it is a rivalry that I would like to see return as soon as it is possible," the 38-year old former captain added.
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Malik has been named in the 29-member Pakistan squad for three Tests and as many T20Is against England to be played in August-September. Though there are doubts over the T20 World Cup 2020 in Australia due to the COVID-19 crisis, Malik feels Pakistan has a good chance of winning the title.
"I believe our chances are very good. In order to win these kinds of events, you have to have a very strong bowling attack and I think we have that box ticked. In addition, we also have a good batting line-up to complement that strong bowling attack,” he said.
Malik made his debut in 1999 and has been part of Pakistan’s 2009 T20 World Cup triumph as well as the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy win. He spoke about his fitness and will to continue playing top-flight cricket.
"At the moment I am as fit as I have ever been, I'm still very hungry to play cricket and have a few more goals that I would like to achieve before retiring. But when my cricket days do come to an end I would like to work in the media. Maybe have my own show and also do some commentary or studio work," Malik said.
(IANS inputs)
