Might continue after T20 World Cup if body permits: Shoaib Malik

Senior Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik on Wednesday said his previous anuncement of quitting international cricket after this Year's T20 World Cup is t cast in stone and he might continue if his body permits. veteran, who turns 38 on February 1, was speaking to reporters in Lahore. He retired from Test cricket in 2015 after scoring a double hundred in a home series against England in UAE and bid adieu to ODIs after World Cup but is still active in T20 format.

READ | Soue 'looking Forward' To India Series After Sydney Test Snub

'Might continue after T20 World Cup'

"Yes I had said I will retire from ODI cricket after World Cup (in 2019) and I did that and I also said I might retire completely after World Cup T20. But right w I think it is about short-term goals when time comes I will think about it," he said. 

"As a senior player I have a responsibility and goal and thankfully my body is supporting me in my career and I will continue to play till I feel good about it. I am t someone who will hang around just for sake of it," he asserted.

READ | Wasim Akram Completes 30th Anniversary Of Test Century In Australia; Watch Clip

Malik admitted that he was upset after being criticised for a poor World Cup and for being igred for national T20 squad. "I am a human being and I can also fail and yes I can also have negative thoughts and get angry for what happened. My performances in World Cup were t good but I have always performed well in T20 format," Malik said.  Malik and senior teammate Muhammad Hafeez won surprise recalls to Pakistan T20 squad for home series against Bangladesh after being constantly igred after World Cup.

Malik said he was t disappointed or upset anymore.

"I am t insecure and I am sure that as long as I am fit I can achieve anything. My goal has always been to be good eugh to play for my country. I wanted to make a comeback that is why after Caribbean Premier League, I reached Faisalabad and played in National T20 event."

"Whatever happened, I have forgotten and moved on. A new team manment has come in and I think y were right in giving chances to or players and trying to build a balanced outfit," he said. 

READ | England Confident Ahead Of Final Test Against South Africa

Malik, who has appeared in 111 T20 internationals, also made it clear he was t disappointed at t being given a central contract by Pakistan Cricket Board. "We have lot of youngsters coming through. So y looked at it that way and this time y have also reduced number of players who were given central contracts," he pointed out. Malik also insisted that he was t thinking about World T20 in Australia and only focusing on Bangladesh series.

"I am t thinking about World Cup. I will try to give my best at whatever opportunity I get w. I have t set long-term goals as World Cup is far away.

"I just want to perform and help groom youngsters in dressing room. I and Hafeez want to share our experiences with m," he said. 

READ |  'Profile Picture Vs Reality', BBL Hilariously Trolls Adelaide Strikers Opener Phil Salt