Speaking to PakPassion.net after the conclusion of the MOL 6-A-Side tournament held at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Malik remained confident of winning a place in the team sooner rather than later.

By Ahmed Zulfiqar

09 May 2011

A relatively short period of Eleven months can be a very long time in Pakistani cricket. Having been unceremoniously dropped from the Pakistan team after the 2nd Test versus England at Birmingham in June last year, former Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik has found it near impossible to regain his place in the Pakistan team.

Speaking to PakPassion.net after the conclusion of the MOL 6-A-Side tournament held at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Malik remained confident of winning a place in the team sooner rather than later.

“I’m working hard, in fact in the last first-class season I scored more than 800 runs in 7 matches at an average of almost 100, so I’m still hoping and working hard to get into the team. I’m sure I will get my chance, and will try doing well for the country and the team.”

He further added “I’m a professional cricketer, and cricket is my passion. Even though I’m not playing for the national team I am still working hard, and I just want to see myself satisfied. I’m sure there is a series after West Indies and I still feel I can play international cricket for another 6-8 years.”

When asked if he was targeting a specific format in which to make his comeback, the 29-year old all-rounder stated “I have played in all formats and I have done well, Alhamdulillah.”

With the prevalence of domestic Twenty20 cricket ever increasing, Malik has been keeping himself busy despite being starved of international cricket exposure. He responded by saying “Wherever I get a chance to play cricket, I will go there.”

When queried on his thoughts on the 6-a-side tourney – in which his side emerged victorious by 11 runs in the final – and the level of the domestic cricket in the UAE in general, Malik said “It’s a great experience. I’ve seen some UAE players – even though mostly from India and Pakistan – they are very good cricketers.”

With all eyes on the upcoming English domestic Twenty20 competition and news that fellow Pakistani Umar Gul will be appearing for Sussex, Malik was also questioned if he would be willing to appear for a county side, given his sterling record in the shortest format of the game.

“Honestly I am not looking for county cricket," he stated. "I have 2 months off where I can train hard and make myself fitter. I took power yoga classes in India during the World Cup, and I just want to focus on my cricket. I want to be mentally stronger, and that only comes when you are physically strong.”

With so many talented cricketers waiting in the wings to appear for Pakistan, it would seem that Malik will need more than just the power of Yoga to see him in Pakistani colours in the near term.