Shoaib Malik: “The only reason I took up the captaincy in Sarfraz’s absence was because it was a difficult situation and my country needed me”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik has made it abundantly clear that he has no intention of replacing Sarfraz Ahmed as captain.

This comes after Malik captained Pakistan during their tour of South Africa earlier this year as Sarfraz returned home after being given a four-month ban for racially abusing Proteas all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo.

Malik captained Pakistan during the fourth and fifth ODIs against South Africa, and in the three-match Twenty20 series that followed.

He also led the team in the first three ODIs of the five-match series against Australia in the United Arab Emirates.

The 37-year-old missed the last two matches with bruised ribs.

Despite this, Malik once again reiterated that he doesn’t want to take over as captain, especially as he is retiring from ODIs after the World Cup.

“I have no interest in captaining the side and I think it is fair to groom youngsters for that role. Although I hope that Sarfaraz will captain the side in the next World Cup as well,” he told cricketpakistan.com.pk. “The only reason I took up the captaincy in Sarfraz’s absence was because it was a difficult situation and my country needed me. When that is the case, one should never say no.”

Pakistan will begin their World Cup campaign against the West Indies in Nottingham on May 31.

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