Pakistan Cricket Team in Action© AFP
Pakistan cricket veteran Shoaib Malik has revealed that he has rejected an offer from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to take over as coach ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Malik last played for Pakistan in 2021 but is yet to retire from international cricket. Pakistan had a disappointing run in the 2024 T20 World Cup as they were knocked out in the group stage. The Babar Azam-led side were stunned by the United States before collapsing in a heavy defeat against India. Malik explained that he is still playing domestic cricket and taking up the coach’s job now made no sense to him.
“I got an offer before the 2024 T20 World Cup. There was no chief selector then and the entire committee had equal power,” Malik told reporters.
“Yes, I got the offer. However, I am still playing cricket. How can I select the cricketers I am currently playing with? It makes no sense to me that you are also playing and also part of the selection committee,” he added.
Malik also said that he was not interested in playing for the Pakistan cricket team but would continue playing domestic T20 cricket.
“I am currently playing only one format and will surely participate in the domestic T20 competition. I think I can still play at the domestic level. This way, I can share my experience better with the players,”
“I have already said that I don’t want to play for Pakistan. I have already retired from Tests and ODIs. I have no desire to be a part of the Pakistan T20I team. Yes, I will continue to play domestically. There are a few places where I will still play but I have already informed some leagues that I will not be available. As far as my retirement is concerned, I will leave everything in one go,” he said.
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