Shoaib Malik announces retirement from ODI cricket

Malik made his ODI debut in October 1999. He was one of the last remaining active cricketers who had made their debut in the 20th century

Veteran Pakistan cricketer and former skipper Shoaib Malik announced his retirement from ODI cricket on Thursday. He said the final goodbye after his team ended the World Cup 2019 journey by beating Bangladesh by 94 runs at Lord’s. Though Pakistan won the game by a good margin but couldn’t make into the knockouts due to lesser net run rate that of New Zealand. After the match, Malik looked quite emotional and revealed that it was a pre-planned move as he wanted to spend some more time with his family. “I am retiring from ODI cricket. I had made this decision a few years ago, that I would retire after Pakistan's last world cup match,” Malik said.

✅ Hugs galore ✅ Guard of honour ✅ Plenty of applause

Pakistan gave Shoaib Malik a fitting send-off as he retired from ODI cricket 👏#CWC19 pic.twitter.com/ESA4q1sLUM — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 5, 2019

“I am sad I am leaving this format of cricket that I once loved but happy that I would have more time to spend with my family. This will also allow me to focus on the T20s,” he added.

A legend leaves the ODI field for the final time.

Thank you Shoaib Malik 👏#CWC19 | #PAKvBAN pic.twitter.com/g1tlIsPEK0 — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 5, 2019

Shortly after, Malik took to his Twitter to thank his family, friends, coaches, and fans for the support they provided him through his carrier that spanned 20 years. “Today I retire from One Day International cricket. Huge Thank you to all the players I have played with, coaches I have trained under, family, friends, media, and sponsors. Most importantly my fans, I love you all,” Malik wrote.

Today I retire from One Day International cricket. Huge Thank you to all the players I have played with, coaches I have trained under, family, friends, media, and sponsors. Most importantly my fans, I love you all#PakistanZindabad 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/zlYvhNk8n0

— Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) July 5, 2019

Malik made his ODI debut in October 1999. He was one of the last remaining active cricketers who had made their debut in the 20th century. He represented Pakistan in 287 ODIs where he scored 7534 runs in 258 innings, averaging 34.55. Malik has 9 centuries and 44 fifties in his name and has also taken 158 wickets in 217 innings.

9️⃣ centuries 4️⃣4️⃣ half-centuries 1️⃣5️⃣8️⃣ wickets 7️⃣5️⃣3️⃣4️⃣ runs

Shoaib Malik has retired from ODI cricket. What a career he's had 👏#PAKvBAN | #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/DJqc0w4YrO — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 5, 2019

The batsman was not a part of the playing XI on Friday where his team defeated Bangladesh by 94 runs.