Shoaib Malik to return home for personal reasons
LAHORE (92 News) – All-rounder Shoaib Malik is returning home for personal reasons and is likely to rejoin the team in England after ten-days leave.
This was announced by the Pakistan cricket team management today. Veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik has been given leave so that the batsman can return home to deal with a personal issue.
Malik is expected to rejoin the team in 10 days’ time, informed PCB. The former cricket captain is currently in England with the Pakistan squad where they are slated to play a one-off T20I and a five-match ODI series against the hosts before heading into the World Cup.
“The PCB will not be making any further comments and fully expects all concerned to respect Shoaib’s privacy,” the statement added.
The batsman has already informed that the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019 is going to be his last World Cup. “This will be my last World Cup and I want Pakistan to win it. I believe there is a fantastic combination of young and senior players in this squad,” Malik said earlier.
Meanwhile, Pakistan will play two warm-up World Cup games against Afghanistan on May 24 and Bangladesh on May 26, before taking on the West Indies in their first World Cup match in Nottingham on May 31.
PCB announces 15-member team for ICC World Cup 2019
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Selector Inzimamul Haq has announced the 15-member team for the International Cricket Council World Cup 2019.
All-rounder Muhammad Hafeez’s availability in the squad is subjected to his fitness, said the chief selector. Meanwhile, Abid Ali has been chosen as a third opener in the squad.