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Shoaib Malik

Shoaib Malik answering RAPID FIRE questions (PCB) 01
Shoaib Malik answering RAPID FIRE questions (PCB) 01 Image: Wikimedia Commons. Pakistan Cricket Board on Youtube / CC BY 3.0

Shoaib Malik (born 1 February 1982) is a former Pakistani cricketer who represented the Pakistan national cricket team across all three international formats. A right-handed batsman and right-arm off-break bowler, he served as captain of the Pakistan national side from 2007 to 2009, and was part of the squads that won the 2009 ICC World Twenty20 and the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy.

Key facts

Full name Shoaib Malik
Date of birth 1 February 1982
Nationality Pakistani
Role Cricketer (all-rounder)
National team Pakistan
ODI debut 1999, against the West Indies
Test debut 2001, against Bangladesh
Pakistan captain 2007 to 2009
Domestic T20 franchise Quetta Gladiators (Pakistan Super League)
Major titles 2009 ICC World Twenty20; 2017 ICC Champions Trophy

Background

Malik emerged from Pakistan's domestic cricket system in the late 1990s and broke into the senior national team while still a teenager. He developed primarily as a right-handed top-order batsman, while also bowling off-spin, which made him a useful all-format option for selectors.

International career

Malik made his One Day International (ODI) debut in 1999 against the West Indies. He followed this with a Test debut in 2001 against Bangladesh, going on to feature in Pakistan's red-ball, ODI and Twenty20 International sides over an extended career.

Captaincy

He captained the Pakistan national cricket team from 2007 to 2009, leading the side across formats during a transitional period for Pakistan cricket.

ICC tournament successes

  • 2009 ICC World Twenty20 — won by Pakistan, with Malik as part of the squad.
  • 2017 ICC Champions Trophy — won by Pakistan, with Malik again featuring in the winning side.

Franchise cricket

In domestic Twenty20 cricket, Malik played for the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), one of the league's foundation franchises.

Significance

Malik is recognised as one of Pakistan's longest-serving international cricketers of his generation, with a career spanning the eras of 50-over dominance, the rise of Twenty20 internationals, and the development of franchise leagues such as the PSL. His tenure as captain and his presence in two ICC trophy-winning squads place him among the notable figures in Pakistan cricket of the early 21st century.

References