After 20 years of a roller coaster career in Pakistan cricket team, all-rounder Shoaib Malik announced his retirement from one-day international cricket on Friday. Since 1999, Malik has recorded several admirable achievements to his name. After defeating Bangladesh by a margin of 94 runs at Lord’s Cricket Ground, Malik hung his boots and bid adieu to the 50 over format in international cricket.
Malik shared an emotional message on Twitter as he announced his retirement soon after Friday’s match.
Today I retire from One Day International cricket. Huge Thank you to all the players I have played with, coaches I have trained under, family, friends, media, and sponsors. Most importantly my fans, I love you all#PakistanZindabad 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/zlYvhNk8n0
— Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) July 5, 2019
Best wishes soon poured in from family, fans and fellow cricketers for Malik. Wife and Indian Tennis star Sania Mirza too took to Twitter to share a heartfelt message for her hubby. Sania said she and their son Izhaan are proud of all his achievements.
“Every story has an end, but in life, every ending is a new beginning’ @realshoaibmalik, u have proudly played for your country for 20 years and u continue to do so with so much honor and humility. Izhaan and I are so proud of everything you have achieved but also for who ur,” Mirza wrote.
‘Every story has an end, but in life every ending is a new beginning’ @realshoaibmalik 🙃 u have proudly played for your country for 20 years and u continue to do so with so much honour and humility..Izhaan and I are so proud of everything you have achieved but also for who u r❤️
— Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) July 5, 2019
The Pakistan cricket team also gave Malik a well-deserved and fitting send off with hugs, guard of honor and applause after the match.
✅ Hugs galore
✅ Guard of honour
✅ Plenty of applausePakistan gave Shoaib Malik a fitting send-off as he retired from ODI cricket 👏#CWC19 pic.twitter.com/ESA4q1sLUM
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 5, 2019
Congratulations @realshoaibmalik on a commendable ODI career spanning over a couple of decades. You’ve made your country proud with all you have achieved & are a true ambassador to the Nation. I’ve enjoyed the times we have played together & wish you all the very best
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) July 5, 2019
Thank you @realshoaibmalik for all your guidance and support. May you continue to smile and laugh after your ODI retirement. Stay blessed brother. #ThankYouShoaibMalik pic.twitter.com/rtEj1StsX3
— Shadab Khan (@76Shadabkhan) July 5, 2019
What an amazing 10 years we’ve had together. You’re someone who’s built and rebuilt his career and always had a huge smile on his face. Will miss your presence in the dressing room and on field. Sialkot ki shan, always stay happy my bro @realshoaibmalik ❤️ #ThankYouMalik pic.twitter.com/cDSa5AVgDi
— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) July 5, 2019
It’s been a pleasure playing with you Shoaib bhai, you have been a great inspiration for many. Congratulations for all you have achieved. Good luck for the future! #PakistanZindabad #RiseAndRise #Respect pic.twitter.com/XpdCGZjHLL
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) July 5, 2019
Congratulations @realshoaibmalik on wonderful ODI career 👍🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 , As Team mate enjoyed ur company, True ambassador of Pakistan U r & as Fan of Pakistan Cricket would like to thank U for ur contributions in Pakistan Cricket , Good Luck for future Endeavours, Stay Blessed pic.twitter.com/BkaaxDbvKr
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) July 5, 2019
This hurts more than anything 💔💔#ThankYouMalik https://t.co/CrOJJWmtsw
— Mohsin (@imsmohsin) July 5, 2019
Thanks for serving the green flag for 20 years you are one of the best allrounder that Pakistan have ever produce👏👏👍❤️ #ThankYouMalik pic.twitter.com/r6g3NH2tNP
— Proud Pakistani🇵🇰👑😇 (@MadinaLover786) July 5, 2019
Malik made his debut in cricket in October 1999 against West Indies. He was among the last few cricketers from the 90s who were active on the field. He was, however, not on field on Friday when Pakistan thrashed Bangladesh at the 2019 WC with a massive score.
We wish Shoaib Malik all the best for his future! You have certainly made your country proud!