As day three of the third and final Test between Pakistan and England came to an end, there were quite a few things for Pakistani fans to be happy about, including Mohammad Hafeez’s sensible innings. Hafeez has scored 97 runs at the time of writing and is still not out. Then, the news that shocked both media and fans came. Shoaib Malik announced his retirement from the Test cricket, making this third Test of the final one of his career.
The veteran Pakistani told the media in an emotional press conference that he wants his place to be taken by younger players and that he was willing to focus more on limited overs cricket as he aims to prepare himself for the next World Cup in 2019.
Malik thinks the time was perfect for him to say farewell to Test cricket. He said in the press conference:
“The reason of my leaving Tests is not because of slump in form but it’s because I want to give more time to my family and concentrate on the 2019 World Cup.” [sic]
He further added:
“I realised today that this is the right time to leave the place for youngsters and Pakistan have many talented players who can fill in.”
The 33-year-old played his debut Test match against Bangladesh in 2001. He has played a total of 35 Tests, scoring 1948 runs (as at the end of day three of the third Test of this current series) and taking 29 wickets.
Malik was selected in the Test squad to face England after Azhar Ali picked up an injury. After five years of exile from the longest form of cricket, Malik returned to score a career best 245 in the first Test. He also achieved his career best bowling figures (4/33) in the current match.
Despite his sensational double century, Malik has not been able to perform with the bat as consistently in this series as was expected from a player with the amount of experience he has. On the third day of the final Test, the same day he announced his retirement, he was dismissed for a duck, trapped in front by James Anderson for an LBW.
Malik said in his blog that he has been thinking about this decision for a while. He said:
“I have also discussed with a close few, taken opinions of friends, family, peers, seniors, my wife, and Ammi jaan (mother). Then add to all this my gut feeling and a number of Istakhara namazs, I think you will agree that it was just about timing the decision.”
About his selection in the national squad, he said:
“I was in a delightful shock when my name was added to the Test squad after the Zimbabwe series. And I will never say no to a call to any squad for Pakistan, just cant do that. Playing these 3 Tests have also helped me to confirm my decision, and re-connect with what it takes. All I can say for sure is that Test format, is a REAL test!” [sic]
The decision of retirement at this stage show how selfless the man is. Malik clearly said that he would want his place to be taken by the young talented players.
He said:
“Im giving up my spot for new talent, the likes of Babar Azam, Moahmmed Rizwan, Sohaib Maqsood, Harris Sohail, and many others.”
Another reason behind his decision to retire was that he wanted to give more time to his family:
“Im also giving up my spot to have quality time with family and experience the many things this life has to offer,” he wrote in his blog, “I have enjoyed playing professional cricket for the past 20 years and have lived my dreams….but mostly all of this has come at the cost of my family time and personal relationships. I need to take care of these blessings around me as that’s what really means the most to me. Would also like to mention Ammi jaan without whom I will be just too lost.”
It was not only the public who were shocked by Malik’s decision. Even the players in the Pakistan Test team found it hard to believe. Mohammad Hafeez’s reaction was the one that camera caught when he was asked by a reporter about Malik’s retirement. The Professor was surprised and said:
“I am surprised to know Malik has announced retirement. I just met him a while ago and had no idea about this decision”
At the end of day three, Pakistan are 74 runs ahead of England with seven wickets in hand. They will be desperate to build a commanding lead and win the game to give Malik a fitting send off from Test cricket.
