Retirement from 50-over format will help me focus on T20 cricket, reveals Shoaib Malik

Pakistan exited the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019 despite registering a 94-run win in their last outing against Bangladesh on Friday. Immediately after the game, veteran Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik announced his impending departure from international ODI cricket.

The 37-year old claimed that he will continue to play T20 cricket and hopes to represent the national team at the T20 WC in 2020. Malik has played 287 matches for Pakistan, scoring more than 7,500 runs and claiming 158 wickets in the process.  

"As I mentioned in my previous interviews, I'm going to retire from World Cup. Today was our last game, and I'm retiring from ODI cricket. I had planned this for a few years to retire on the last Pakistan World Cup match. I'm sad that I'll be leaving a format of cricket that I once loved but happy that I'll have more time to spend with my family. This will also allow me to focus on Twenty20 cricket.

"I would like to thank some of the most important people whose support and backing helped me through these 20 years of international cricket. Starting with the players I shared dressing rooms with, all the coaches I have played under, my friends and family, the media, my sponsors, the Pakistan cricket board, and Pakistan sports board. But most importantly, my fans. I love you all. Thank you."

The former Pakistan captain has played just three matches in the tournament, registering two ducks and taking just one wicket. Malik said his decision to step down was based on a desire to spend more time with his family and to shift all his attention on the shortest format to seal a spot in the T20 World Cup.