Talking Points After Shoaib Malik Returns Home Citing Personal Reasons

Citing personal reasons, former captain Shoaib Malik has comeback to Pakistan even before the tour to England had officially commenced. Hence, here is a look at some talking points after Shoaib Malik returns home.

Read: Why Pakistan’s Think Tank Must Reconsider The Playing Eleven

Asif Ali Is Now In With A Serious Opportunity

Asif Ali is part of the ODI squad for the English tour however, he has not been selected for the ICC World Cup. Asif was in prolific form during the PSL and owing to Shoaib Malik’s lean patch with the bat; selectors have the young gun in mind as senior middle order batsman’s replacement if he fails to impress again in the upcoming 5 match ODI series.

With Malik likely to be unavailable for the first two ODIs; a couple of good performances from Asif Ali then, will most probably give him a very good chance of making it to the world cup ahead of his senior colleague. Remember, the world cup squad that can still be changed before May 23, 2019 without involving ICC.

Read: Talking Points After Pakistan Win Their Tour Game Against Kent

Makes Malik’s Task Even More Difficult

Already searching for form, Malik will have very little option but to perform big from the word go particularly if Asif Ali manages a decent score or two during his absence. Malik has not had enough time to prepare properly owing to the entire episode and with England being the world’s best ODI side; Malik’s task to retain his position in the playing eleven as well as in the world cup squad has become even more difficult.

Read: 4 PCB Officials Who Are Likely To Lose Their Job If Pakistan Doesn’t Do Well In The World Cup

Can Put The Think Tank In A Problematic Position

Interviews in media indicate that Malik most probably has Sarfraz’s backing while Arthur is a little more inclined towards selecting a youngster in Asif Ali. Hence, expect friction between the skipper and the head coach and that too days before the world cup starts if both hard-hitting batsmen end up with a couple of note-worthy innings.