Pakistan"s Shoaib Malik wants to play in World Cup

KARACHI, Pakistan (AFP) — Discarded former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik yesterday said he wanted to play in next year’s World Cup, but needed clarity on his role and must be told what is expected of him.

The 32-year-old played the last of his 216 One-Day Internationals in June 2013, but was included in Pakistan’s 30-man preliminary squad for the upcoming tournament.

Pakistan’s selection committee is likely to announce the final 15-man squad on January 7 after watching some of the probables in the Pentangular Cup competition, which started in Karachi yesterday.

Australia and New Zealand co-host the World Cup from February 14 to March 29.

Malik said he wanted to play for Pakistan.

“The World Cup is a big event and every cricketer wants to play in it,” he told the media. “It was portrayed that I don’t want to play, I was frustrated over being left out but I always wanted to play.”

Malik said he is not happy with the selection process.

“I have a problem with the system because we cricketers want clarity (on selection) and want to know what is expected of us and how many matches we are going to play because it increases confidence when a player knows how many matches he is going to play.”

He continued: “I am of the opinion that players who know the conditions of Australia and New Zealand can play well there.”

Malik is also due to play for Hobart Hurricanes in Australia’s ongoing Big Bash Twenty20 league.

“I am waiting for my visa and if I get it I will leave for Australia, but if I get clarity on my selection I can leave any league for Pakistan.”

Malik termed Australia, South Africa and India favourites for the World Cup.

“I want to see Pakistan win, but lately Pakistan’s combination is disturbed because of Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Hafeez being suspended over illegal bowling action, so in my opinion Australia, South Africa and India are top teams for the mega event,” he predicted.

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Pakistan"s Shoaib Malik wants to play in World Cup

CPL: Pakistan"s Hafeez wants to return

Sport

Tuesday, August 20, 2013 | 5:54 PM

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) —  Pakistan Twenty20 International captain Mohammad Hafeez says he will love to return for next year’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL) as long as his international schedule allows it.Hafeez blasted a spectacular unbeaten 50 from just 23 balls against the Antigua Hawksbills on Saturday night, his last action before linking up with the Pakistan tour of Zimbabwe.It sealed an impressive league campaign for the Warriors who topped the six-team table with five wins from seven matches.“It all depends on the international schedule (next year) but if I can then I will definitely come back. To be honest, I was very sure the Limacol CPL tournament would be a success because the crowd here is very passionate about cricket,” said Hafeez.“The crowd response to the whole tournament has been exceptional.  We saw that, and I personally believe the tournament will get more and more success.”Hafeez said his departure ahead of the business end of the tournament left him with a bitter-sweet feeling after having a thoroughly enjoyable time as part of a successful squad.He signed off with a spectacular display of high-class hitting to dump the Hawksbills out of the competition, blasting two fours and four sixes in his swansong match for the season.“I am definitely sad to be leaving and I am going to miss it but international duties always come first,” he said.“I was happy to join and in the same way I am happy that I am leaving on a happy note.  The (Guyana Amazon Warriors) team is a very good one, the franchise is good and the teammates are happy and supporting each other”.The two semi-finals take place on Thursday and Friday, and the final will be on Saturday in Trinidad.

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CPL: Pakistan"s Hafeez wants to return