SHOAIB MALIK UPSET AFTER HIS EXCLUSION FROM THE WORLD CUP SQUAD

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Shoaib Malik upset after his exclusion from World Cup squad

Former Pakistan Captain Shoaib Malik has expressed his disappointment over his exclusion from the 30-man World Cup squad. Malik was under scrutiny by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and was under investigation by the PCB’s integrity committee.

The PCB has not revealed why Malik has been axed, and hence the decision has raised some eyebrows. The all-rounder has never been accused of match-fixing and has been in sublime form in the domestic circuit. His average this season in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan’s premier domestic competition, is just over 120 with 725 runs in the tournament.  

Malik has voiced his disappointment over the decision stating, “It's tough to pacify yourself when you are not given a reason for your omission. Cricket teaches you discipline, so with discipline and determination I will strive to get my place back. It's a great honour to play in the World Cup but I will not allow my confidence level to dip and will continue to perform at the domestic level”

Pakistan’s Chief Selector Mohsin Khan however, offered no proper explanation. He said, “The integrity committee has given its views on some players to the selection committee, which has taken into consideration that input and has selected the 30 players for the World Cup”

Along with Malik, wicket keeper Kamran Akmal and leg spinner Danish Kaneria were also being investigated by the committee. All three players were instructed to disclose their financial and physical assets to the committee. After days of investigation and speculation Akmal was granted clearance, and added to the World Cup squad, while Malik was axed. No decisive announcement was made on Kaneria’s future, but he was not included in the World Cup squad as expected.