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Shoaib Malik of Pakistan (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Veteran cricketer Shoaib Malik is confident that he can still continue to play and serve Pakistan for a considerable amount of time. There were talks around Malik’s future given his age and the number of years he has played cricket, however, he is more than ready and raring to go.

“I’m gonna keep playing cricket and this is why I am not even thinking of retiring,” the 40-year-old, who is playing for Rangpur Riders in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League, told reporters at the Sylhet International Stadium on January 29.

The right-handed all-rounder said that he may be the oldest member in any any team around the world, but he can still openly challenge any youngster for any physical fitness test. 

“Trust me, even though I’m the oldest in the team, you can compare my fitness with a 25-year old. So, I guess what motivates me is I still enjoy coming to the ground and I still think that the hunger is there and until the time these two things are there, I’m gonna keep playing cricket and this is why I am not even thinking of retiring,” he said.

Malik also stated that he believed he still has a plenty of cricket left in him and also has a lot to give and serve Pakistan cricket. He said he will think about retirement at some point, but that time is not now. Interestingly, Shoaib Malik made the debut for his national side in the year 1999.

“I would like to retire from internationals and complete cricket once and for all but right now I’m not even thinking about it and I am enjoying my cricket whenever I get an opportunity I do go and play. I have already retired from Tests and ODIs and T20s, yes I’m still very much available and wherever I get my opportunity I will give my best shot,” he signed off.

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