PCB summons Shoaib Malik back from Big Bash

Karachi: Former captain and senior all-rounder Shoaib Malik is unhappy after the PCB summoned him back from Australia where he was playing in the Big Bash and told him to make himself available for the domestic T20 tournament ahead of World T20 selections.

"Yes, I was told to return home for the domestic T20 as the selectors are also to announce the squads for the Asia Cup and World T20 Cup soon," Malik said. "I was told to make myself available for the domestic T20 Cup even though my team, Hobart Hurricanes qualified for the final of the Big Bash T20 tournament in Australia," Malik, who was pretty unhappy with the development, stated. The Hobart Hurricanes beat Melbourne Renegades in the semi-final of the Big Bash on February 4 and the final was played on the February 7th but beforethe final Malik had to return home. Interestingly, there was no word on whether off-spinner, Saeed Ajmal who is playing in the South African T20 League has also been recalled for the domestic cup. A source close to the new chief selector, Aamir Sohail told PTI that he wanted to have a look at the senior players particularly Malik to check their fitness before announcing the Asia Cup and World T20 squads. "Obviously, Sohail believes that Malik has a role to play in future for Pakistan," he said. Malik also earned the ire of his department, PIA, when he left the domestic Presidents Trophy tournament last December and flew to Australia for the Big Bash. Malik last played for Pakistan in the T20 matches against South Africa in the UAE in November and also went to South Africa for the one-day series but had to return home without playing because of a finger injury. Malik captains the Sialkot Stallions team which has dominated the regional T20 Cup for years now.