Shoaib Malik added to Pakistan T20 World Cup Squad

Pakistan has named 39-year-old Shoaib Malik as replacement for Sohaib Maqsood who is side-lined as he failed to recovery from lower back injury. Maqsood sustained a back injury during his stint for Southern Punjab during the National T20 Cup at Lahore.

“Sohaib is devastated to miss out on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup as he had worked hard for this event and was in sparkling form. We feel for him but injuries are part and parcel of the sport. I am sure after undergoing rehabilitation, he’ll fully recover to be available for future assignments.”, Chief Selector Muhammad Wasim said in the PCB release.

“In his place and following discussions with the team management, we have decided to include Shoaib Malik in the side. I am sure Shoaib’s experience will be handy for the entire squad.”

Shoaib Malik played 116 T20 Internationals for Pakistan and scored 2335 runs at an average of 31.13 powered by a strike rate of 124.20. He also has 28 scalps to his name.

The veteran cricketer is the first ever batsman from Asia to record more than 10,000 T20 runs. Malik has scored 11,033 at an average of 36.53 powered by a strike rate of 126.19. He has scored 67 half centuries with a highest score of 95*. He also picked 152 wickets in 245 innings he bowled.

Pakistan T20 World Cup Squad:

Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket keeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket keeper), Shaheen Afridi, Shoaib Malik. 

Traveling reserves: Khushdil Shah, Shahnawaz Dahani, Usman Qadir