Shoaib Malik confirms ODI retirement after World Cup exit
Pakistan batsman Shoaib Malik confirmed his retirement from one-day cricket without making a farewell appearance in his side's victory over Bangladesh on Friday.
Malik had admitted last year that he intended to quit one-day cricket after the World Cup and he followed through with that plan after Pakistan's 94-run win at Lord's.
The 37-year-old will continue to play the Twenty20 format, but he admitted it was an emotional moment to call time on his ODI career.
“I am retiring from one-day cricket,” said Malik, who was dropped after a disappointing World Cup featuring two ducks in three maches.
“I'm sad as I'm leaving the format I loved the most but this will allow me to spend more time with my family and concentrate on the Twenty20 World Cup next year,” added Malik, who is married to Indian tennis star Sania Mirza.
Malik's decision came after a Pakistan win which was not enough to take the 1992 champions into the semi-finals.
Pakistan were ousted by New Zealand on net run-rate despite finishing level on 11 points after nine matches.