KARACHI: Pakistan’s veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik has announced to draw the curtain on his glittering Pakistan Super League (PSL) career after 10 editions.
The 43-year-old made the announcement via his official Instagram handle, capping his time in the marquee league.
“I cherish every moment and friendship I’ve made both on and off the field during my 10-year tenure in the Pakistan Super League. It’s time to call it a day,” Malik wrote in a brief statement.
The former Pakistan captain, who mentored the Stallions during the Champions League, also hinted at taking on a different role, “However, my passion and drive to serve for the betterment of cricket will always be there. Thanks PSL.”
Representing Karachi Kings, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators, Malik played a total of 93 matches in his 10-year PSL career, scoring 2350 runs at an average of 33.09 and a strike rate of 127.78 with 15 half-centuries.
Malik’s retirement comes at a time when the marquee league is set to enter a new era with the addition of two new teams, Hyderabad and Sialkot, which were acquired by FKS Group and OZ Developers respectively in a stellar auction earlier this month.
As soon as OZ Developers announced that they would be naming PSL’s eighth franchise after Sialkot, fans started buzzing with excitement and immediately linked it with Sialkot Stallions, the national T20 team that won multiple titles under Malik’s leadership.
For the uninitiated, the 11th edition of the much-anticipated PSL will be held from March 26 to May 3, featuring eight teams, with Lahore Qalandars all set to defend the title.
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