Shoaib Malik, the former captain and seasoned all-rounder, has opted out of his contract with the New York Strikers in the Abu Dhabi T10 to join the National T20 Cup. The tournament is scheduled to commence on 24 November. As a replacement for Malik, the Strikers have enlisted Asif Ali, having initially selected Malik in the ‘Asian Superstar Category.’

In a departure from some players, Shoaib Malik has chosen domestic cricket over league commitments to enhance his chances of being selected for the national T20 team leading up to the 2024 T20 World Cup. The 9th edition of the T20 World Cup is slated to take place in the West Indies and the United States from 4 to 30 June 2024.

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Having last played for Pakistan in a T20I against Bangladesh on 20 November 2021, the 41-year-old Malik boasts a T20I record of 124 matches, amassing 2435 runs with 9 half-centuries at an average of 31.21 and a strike rate of 125.64. He has also taken 28 wickets with an economy rate of 7.10. Currently the fourth-highest run-scorer for Pakistan, Malik trails behind Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Rizwan, and Babar Azam.

Expressing his persistent desire for a return to the national T20 squad, Shoaib Malik reiterated his availability for the 2024 T20 World Cup, emphasizing his peak physical condition and readiness to contribute whenever Pakistan requires his services.