Former veteran cricketer Shahid Afridi praised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after they made changes to the squad, especially the inclusion of former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik
On his Twitter handle, Shahid Afridi wrote: “Good to see Shoaib Malik recalled for the T20 World Cup,” Afridi wrote on Twitter.
“As a senior and experienced player, he can contribute big to Pakistan. All the best.”
Good to see Shoaib Malik recalled for the T20 World Cup. As a senior and experienced player he can contribute big time for Pakistan. All the best 👍 https://t.co/i2SMfZaWOV
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) October 9, 2021
The inclusion of Malik marks the fourth change made to the squad since September 4.
The ICC T20 World Cup 2021 will be Shoaib Malik’s sixth T20 tournament.
Malik has captained the national team in 2007. He was also in the squad when Pakistan won the first T20 World Cup title. He missed the tournament that was hosted by West Indies in 2010. However, he was part of the squad in 2012, 2014, and 2016 tournaments.
According to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Maqsood was replaced by Malik after medical authorities declared him unfit for the game.
“Sohaib is devastated to miss out on the World Cup as he had worked hard for this event and was in sparkling form,” chief selector Muhammad Wasim said.
“We feel for him but injuries are part and parcel of the sport.”
“…we have decided to include Shoaib Malik in the side. I am sure Shoaib’s experience will be handy for the entire squad.”
Earlier, the PCB also made three changes other than Malik. Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has replaced Azam Khan, Haider Ali has replaced Muhammad Husnain, and Fakhar Zaman has replaced Khusdil Shah.
The national squad will depart for the UAE on October 15 where they will play their first match against their arch-rivals India on October 24.