Monitor News Bureau
Mumbai:Pakistan’s Shoaib Malik has been signed by Guyana Amazon Warriors for the upcoming edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Malik had earlier played for the Barbados Tridents for five years.
According to Cricbuzz, the former Pakistan cricket team captain has said next year’s ICC?World Cup in England would be his last in the 50-over format, and that he also wants to play the ICC World T20 (2020 edition)?to be held in Australia.
Malik said, “The 2019 World Cup, 50 over cricket, is my last World Cup, but I want to play in the World T20 in 2020, that is my goal for Twenty20 cricket. These are the two big goals which I’m looking at — let’s see how it goes. If I’m consistently performing then I want to play these two World Cups.”
The 36-year-old added that he is excited to be a part of a new franchise in the CPL, and is bullish about their chances having had a look at the squad.
“Guyana is more like you’re playing in the subcontinent, I think. But on a particular day performance is the key to any cricketer and that’s what I’m looking for. Obviously, if you’re playing for a new team the expectations are a lot from you. When they have seen someone that did well for a longer run the expectations are obviously high,” Malik said.
“I’ve seen the squad and it’s well balanced, not just us, the other teams as well. Obviously, there are so many good cricketers and as a franchise you have the options even if you prefer some players but still, even if you don’t get that player you still have the option in other players,” he added.
“Obviously you want to see that you end up winning, and that’s what I want. I want to do well for my team, not just against Barbados, against the rest of the teams as well.”
Malik also recalled how much he has enjoyed being in the Caribbean.
“Barbados is like even if I step out from the hotel, everyone recognises you. Mostly the hotels are on the beach and when you step out of the hotel or even when you are on the beach, everyone recognises you. The hospitality is something which I’m going to miss.
“Being alone in Barbados, still you don’t feel as if you’re alone in Barbados. You have people around you and I think the whole five years is something which I’m going to miss, but I’m sure we’ll have a game in Barbados and that will cover some of my missing parts,” Malik added.
