Shoaib Malik calls time on glittering PSL career

KARACHI: Pakistan’s experienced all-rounder Shoaib Malik has announced to draw curtains on his glittering Pakistan Super League (PSL) career after 10 editions.

The 43-year-old made the announcement through his official Instagram handle, expressing containment over his time at the marquee league. “I cherish every single moment and friendship I have made on and off the field throughout my 10 years of the Pakistan Super League as a player. It’s time to call it a day,” Malik wrote in a brief statement.

The former Pakistan captain, who has served as the mentor of Stallions during the Champions’ tournaments, further hinted at assuming a different role, stating, “However, my passion and motivation to serve for the betterment of cricket will always stay. Thank you PSL.” Malik, who represented Karachi Kings, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators during his 10-year PSL career, played a total of 93 matches, during which he scored 2350 runs at an average of 33.09 and a strike rate of 127.78 with the help of 15 half-centuries.

Notably, Malik’s retirement came at a time when the marquee league is set to enter a new era with the additions of two new teams, Hyderabad and Sialkot, acquired by FKS Group and OZ Developers for Rs1.75billion and Rs1.85billion, respectively, at the star-studded auction earlier this month.

Soon after the OZ Developers announced that they would be naming the eighth franchise of the PSL after Sialkot, fans began buzzing with excitement, immediately associating it with the most decorated National T20 side, Sialkot Stallions, which won multiple titles under Malik’s captaincy. For the unversed, the highly anticipated 11th edition of the PSL will run from March 26 to May 3, featuring eight teams, with Lahore Qalandars set to defend the title. Web Desk