Legendary Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram feels that battingall-rounder Shoaib Malik, who will retire after the ongoing World Cup, can begiven a farewell dinner, not a “farewell match”.
Malik had last year announced that he will retire from ODIcricket after the World Cup which is going on in England and Wales.
“Of course, he had announced that he will retire afterthe World Cup. Unfortunately, it has not ended on a high note. I think hedeserved to end his career on a high as he has done a lot for Pakistancricket,” said Akram while speaking to a Pakistani journalist.
“He did not play many matches in the World Cup. He gotout twice on duck, but this can happen to any player. We should always rememberhis services as he has won Pakistan many matches. He is a nice guy, so let’ssend him a nice farewell, for once. I know he could not perform in this WorldCup, but he has performed over the years for Pakistan,” he added.
When asked by the journalist if Malik deserved a farewellmatch, Akram said: “This is not club cricket where you can ask a player toplay a one-day match. We can rather organise a farewell dinner for him.”
Malik, 37, played just three matches for Pakistan in theongoing World Cup, scoring just eight runs (including two ducks).
He also had to face a lot of criticism after Pakistan’s lossto India at Edgbaston on June 16. A video had gone viral which claimed thatMalik and few other Pakistani cricketers were partying and socialising on thenight prior to much-anticipated clash against India.
However, Malik had denied the allegations, saying it was sadfor him to clarify about his personal life after serving Pakistan cricket formore than 20 years.