Why Shoaib Malik is not selected in Pakistan’s squad for Asia Cup 2023?

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Why Shoaib Malik is not selected in Pakistan's squad for Asia Cup 2022?
Why Shoaib Malik is not selected in Pakistan's squad for Asia Cup 2022?

The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced the squad for upcoming T20 World Cup 2022. The 15-member squad will be led by skipper Babar Azam and Shadab Khan will be his deputy. In the recent years, Pakistan have done really well in the shortest format of cricket and therefore they definitely have the potential to win the T20 World Cup this year. Several expected names have failed to make into the squad. The most notable omission from the Pakistan’s squad is of veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik. Fans expected to see his name in the squad because he is their most experienced player in the shortest format of the game. Unfortunately, Pakistan is going to miss Shoaib Malik in T20 World Cup.

Pakistan’s Squad for Asia Cup 2022
Pakistan’s Squad for Asia Cup 2022

Pakistan all-rounder, Shoaib Malik announced his retirement from ODI cricket minutes after Pakistan’s last World Cup fixture .

It was quite clear that veteran batsman Shoaib Malik will not get a place in the upcoming World Cup. He was also not considered for selection in the squad of Asia Cup. The reason behind his omission from the squad is his age. The selectors are now moving towards young players. It is also said that he failed to get a place in the T20 World Cup 2022 squad because he took a dig on Pakistan Cricket Board.

The 40-year-old who is known as a veteran of the shortest format has played a total of 124 T20I matches. His last appearance for Pakistan in T20Is came against Bangladesh last November, after the end of the T20 World Cup 2021. He was a part of the Pakistan T20 World Cup 2021 Squad and featured in all six matches. However, there was no place for star all-rounder Shoaib Malik in the squad for Asia Cup 2022.

shoaib malik t20 world cup 2021
shoaib malik t20 world cup 2021

The reason behind his non-selection is mainly the age factor. Shoaib Malik has touched the age of 40 years and therefore the selectors are focusing on giving chances to youngsters ahead of the veterans.

Skipper Babar Azam gave the following answer when he was asked about the ommission of Shoaib Malik and Mohammed Hafeez from the squad:-
“Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez will be missed in the upcoming Asia Cup but Asif Ali, Khushdil Shah and Iftikhar Ahmed are players of these numbers and they have performed well. We will utilize Shadab Khan’s batting form and will look to have strong batting depth.”