“I’m fitter than any other young cricketer”, Shoaib Malik

Pakistan’s senior most cricketer included in the world cup squad is one of the two senior players appearing in this year’s ICC World Cup.

This is going to be the fifth World Cup in Shoaib Malik’s 20-year career; however, the last one he played was the 2007 World Cup.

In 2003, he was selected by the selection committee, but unfortunately, at the last moment, his position was given to another player.

He was also present on the sidelines in the 2011 and 2015 World Cup, eventually this World Cup holds a great deal of importance for him.

While appearing for an interview for BBC Urdu Shoaib Malik has said that ‘I’m fitter than any other young cricketer’.

“When you play too much, you start to realize what kind of fitness routine your body needs so that you can keep your performance consistent,” he said.

He further said that “my own belief is that when you play as a senior cricketer, you should not be a burden on your team.”

Malik said it is his belief that his success lies in his fitness and that he wants to be “more fit than any other young cricketer in the team”.

“I try my best to compete more with the young cricketers on the team who are the fittest,” he added.

According to the 37-year-old all-rounder, “You get to know yourself and how useful you are to the team. If you play on the defensive and not with the mindset of winning, then there is no point of playing the match.”

Recalling the past ICC world cups, Malik added, “Yes it does feel bad but I am not the type of person who holds on to things from the past. There are a lot of things in life which you want to do but cannot. But this time I got the chance to play and it will be my final World Cup.”

“I have already won World T20 and Champions Trophy. The World Cup is the only event which I haven’t won so far. I have complete faith in myself and in the Pakistan team that they will give a great performance.”

He aims at representing Pakistan in the World T20 2020, and later on, wants to retire from international cricket.

“I have my eyes on the World T20 and my performance will definitely depend on my fitness. I want to end my career by playing the World T20.”