Pakistan Captain Shoaib Malik

Pakistan Captain Shoaib Malik: Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has expressed the hope of earning a recall in the national squad for the series against South Africa, which is scheduled to begin in Abu Dhabi from October 26.

Malik, who was dropped after the four-Test series against England in August, said in an interview that he was fully fit and would give his best, if given a chance to play in the upcoming series, The News reported.

To be played in October and November, the Pak-SA series will include two Twenty20s, five One-day Internationals (ODIs) and two Tests in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

The experienced all-rounder also said that Pakistan should finalise its team for the World Cup as soon as possible, so that the selected players can play maximum matches together, ahead of the quadrennial spectacle to be held in Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka next year.

Misbah Back, Malik Drop For South Africa Series

Karachi: Pakistan on Thursday left out former captain Shoaib Malik from their 15-man squad and also delayed naming a captain for their neutral venue series against South Africa starting later this month.

Wicket-keeper batsman Kamran Akmal, who suffered abdominal problems before being hospitalised on Wednesday, will have to pass a fitness test to get into the team.

Pakistan will play two Twenty20, five one-day and two Tests in the series to be hosted by Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

A Test squad will be announced later. Pakistan will have to find a replacement for Test captain Salman Butt who is suspended over charges of violating ICC (International Cricket Council) code of conduct.

Butt, along with bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer were alleged to have taken money to deliberately bowl no-balls during Pakistan’s Lord’s Test against England in August. All three were not included in the team.