Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik has hit back at Wasim Akram’s claim that he looked “disinterested” against England this summer, calling on the Pakistan legend to focus on more on team positives.
According to media reports, Akram was commenting on Pakistan’s tour of England when he highlighted a perceived lack of leadership by Malik.
“Look at Shoaib Malik, he has really disappointed me, he goes to the third man in the field and stands there,” Akram said during the commentary.
The former pacer said, “His job as a senior player should be to talk to the bowlers, help his captain and I have not seen that happening at all. From the outside, he has looked disinterested and not very keen for most of the series.”
Ahead of Pakistan’s T20I series against the West Indies in Dubai, Malik was asked what he thought of Akram’s comments “You have to talk about something [when commentating]. When you don’t, you have to come up with something which attracts the people who are listening to you,” Malik said.
“I totally disagree with his statement but I respect him a lot. I would not expect these comments from a legend. I am sure he will realise and come up with something positive instead for Pakistan cricketers and Pakistan.”
Shoaib Malik also expressed that the team is now focusing on achieving the number one spot in shorter formats as well.
“The cricketers are trying their best,” said Malik. “Even though we haven’t been playing international cricket in our country for quite some time, we’ve played against very good sides and beat them in their home conditions.”
Pakistan will play three T20s and as many as ODIs and Test with West Indies with the first T20 beginning on Friday. Green shirts will be Sarfraz Ahmed while Brathwaite would head the West Indie on Friday.
Pakistan will play three T20Is and as many as ODIs and Tests with West Indies with the first T20I beginning on Friday. Men in Green will be led by Sarfaraz Ahmed while Carlos Brathwaite would head the West Indies team. The second match would be played on September 24 while the third face off would be on September 27.