News Desk |
As Shoaib Malik retires from international cricket, fans and celebrities post heartfelt messages and appreciation for Shoaib’s contribution to Pakistani cricket throughout the years. #thankyoushoaibmalik becomes top trend on twitter.
The international cricketing career of Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik concluded with Pakistan’s disqualification from the ICC World Cup. Shoaib Malik has announced his formal retirement from the One Day International after Pakistan-Bangladesh match yesterday.
Hoping to play his farewell match yesterday, the team management did not condone his inclusion in the team since they wanted to go ahead with a winning combination, virtually Pakistan team’s last encounter in the ICC World Cup 2019.
Malik made his ODI debut against the West Indies in the United Arab Emirates in 1999. In his illustrious 20-year career, the veteran played 287 ODIs.
Shoaib Malik has ended his career on a dismal performance; scoring only eight runs against England, while losing his wicket on duck twice in matches against Australia and New Zealand. Haris Sohail eventually replaced Shoaib Malik in the following four matches.
“Today I retire from One Day International cricket. Huge thank you to all the players I have played with, coaches I have trained under, family, friends, media, and sponsors. Most importantly my fans, I love you all,” announced Shoaib Malik.
Today I retire from One Day International cricket. Huge Thank you to all the players I have played with, coaches I have trained under, family, friends, media, and sponsors. Most importantly my fans, I love you all#PakistanZindabad 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/zlYvhNk8n0
— Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) July 5, 2019
Shoaib Malik in his press talk did not object on his exclusion from the team and acknowledged that a change in the combination did help Pakistan register consecutive wins in the tournament. He, however, lamented the dissension subjected to him for his ‘few’ poor performances.
Veteran cricketer Wasim Akram, however, stated that Malik’s services for the country should be remembered.
Read more: Shoaib Malik wins the most stylish sports personality award
Wasim is clear that Malik has done nothing to earn a spot in the national squad. “This is not club cricket that you call a cricketer for a final match. [However] we can absolutely have a farewell dinner for him [Malik],” Wasim said.
“Unfortunately for him, he is not ending his career on a high — which he deserved, as he has done a lot for Pakistani cricket. He had a poor World Cup, was dismissed on duck twice, but this can happen to anyone. But we should remember his services for Pakistan cricket.
“He has won many matches for the country and at the end of the day, he is a nice guy. Let’s send him a nice farewell for once. It’s true that he did not perform well, but nobody does it on purpose,” the bowling legend added.
Malik made his ODI debut against the West Indies in the United Arab Emirates in 1999. In his illustrious 20-year career, the veteran played 287 ODIs.
The right-handed middle-order batsman scored 7,534 runs in ODI, at an average rate of 34.55 and strike-rate of 81.90 with nine centuries and 44-half-centuries to his name. Malik was also an off-spinner and bagged 158 ODI wickets as well.
Read more: Sania Mirza lashed out at Veena Malik for schooling her on ‘parenthood’
Meanwhile, #ThankyouShoaibMalik became the top trend on Twitter followed by messages of appreciation and wishes from Pakistani fans, celebrities, and fellow cricketers.
‘Every story has an end, but in life every ending is a new beginning’ @realshoaibmalik 🙃 u have proudly played for your country for 20 years and u continue to do so with so much honour and humility..Izhaan and I are so proud of everything you have achieved but also for who u r❤️
— Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) July 5, 2019
Congratulations shoaib bhai @realshoaibmalik
on your remarkable 20 years for serving 🇵🇰 🏏Your dedication and hard work is really inspiring! Wish you all the best for the future ahead.#PakistanCricket #ThankYouMalik pic.twitter.com/RFvfXolRaq— Saad Naseem (@officialsaadN) July 5, 2019
Congratulations @realshoaibmalik on your great odi career. You served your country for 20 long years and played great cricket which is commendable. Just like you served Pakistan in ODIs and Tests i hope you do wonders in T20I too. May your life shine ahead . Inshallah pic.twitter.com/zAkGRSIdsM
— Junaid khan (@JunaidkhanREAL) July 5, 2019
Thank you @realshoaibmalik for all your guidance and support. May you continue to smile and laugh after your ODI retirement. Stay blessed brother. #ThankYouShoaibMalik pic.twitter.com/rtEj1StsX3
— Shadab Khan (@76Shadabkhan) July 5, 2019
@realshoaibmalik congratulation shoaib bhai on ur wonderfull ODI era u have been a great inspiration for all of us! especially i learned alot from u thank u for everything wish u best of luck future life stay blessed #ThankYouMalik pic.twitter.com/yVlky5dMcd
— Bilawal bhatti (@007Bilawal) July 5, 2019
https://twitter.com/HansLoYaara/status/1147130825462493184
@realshoaibmalik Mubarak bhai for a wonderful era of ODI cricket. Thanku for your guidance,support and services for Pakistan 🇵🇰 cricket 🏏 #ThankYouMalik pic.twitter.com/auaMH0x59p
— Ehsan adil (@ehsanadil007) July 5, 2019
Dear brother @realshoaibmalik You have played marvellous cricket and your calm batting style will be remembered for the times to come . You have retired but you will always stay in our hearts as a legend. #ThankyouMalik
— Abrar Ul Haq (@AbrarUlHaqPK) July 5, 2019
#ThankYouMalik for immense happiness and joy, you did bring to us, for many and many match winning delights to our faces 😍. I LOVE YOU SIR! ❣❣❣ pic.twitter.com/deBKSIINAj
— JAM ABID SHAFEEQ (@abidshafeeq53) July 6, 2019
What an amazing 10 years we’ve had together. You’re someone who’s built and rebuilt his career and always had a huge smile on his face. Will miss your presence in the dressing room and on field. Sialkot ki shan, always stay happy my bro @realshoaibmalik ❤️ #ThankYouMalik pic.twitter.com/cDSa5AVgDi
— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) July 5, 2019
One of the best honour of my life is to play alongside you Alhumdullilah. You have been a great inspiration for all of us. Loved every bit of your glorious ODI career. Best of luck for your future life and career. @realshoaibmalik#ThankYouMalik pic.twitter.com/zWJ6FOALXK
— Rumman Raees (@rummanraees15) July 5, 2019
The curtains come down on a remarkable career. Thanku @realshoaibmalik for serving the nation for years. Ups & downs r the part of life but u r a true gem that Pakistan has produced. We will miss yur services. U deserve a proper farewell.#ThankYouMalik for the endless memories. pic.twitter.com/tkErrHgnKG
— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) July 5, 2019
Legends remain victorious inspite of history.
Some bad days can’t decide the fate of any person.
You will remain a Hero for me Sir,Always❤️ #ThankYouMalik pic.twitter.com/VBFJSa0zVN— Muhammad Ahmad Durrani (@MAhmad9253) July 5, 2019
Played 20 years for his team and not a single memorable performance, only thing remembered is player power and politics whenever it's needed.#ThankYouMalik
— Salman Iqbal (@Salmaan83) July 5, 2019
A legend leaves the ODI field for the final time.
Thank you @realshoaibmalik 👏 A good Allrounder
287 Matches 35 Average 7,534 runs with
158 wickets with economy of 4.66
9️⃣ centuries
4️⃣4️⃣ half-centuries#ThankYouMalik pic.twitter.com/7JCb2Qe84g— Mohsin (@imsmohsin) July 5, 2019
Grace personified! This is our star @realshoaibmalik ! Thank you for all the years of service to 🇵🇰 https://t.co/Zj6n4JDYT4
— Mahira Khan (@TheMahiraKhan) July 6, 2019