Babar Azam told me that Asia Cup 2022 squad will travel to T20 World Cup: Shoaib Malik

Veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik has said that Pakistan skipper Babar Azam had already given him a clear picture during the Asia Cup of him not being in the scheme of things for the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia. Malik was ignored by the Pakistani selection committee when the 15-member squad was announced as they selected the likes of Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Haider Ali, etc.

At the same time, the former captain also made it clear that he does not hold any grudges against Babar as the modern-day batting superstar is like his younger brother to him. Furthermore, he added that he always wants to see Babar and Pakistan team at the top.

I am unaware of the inside news: Babar Azam

"I am unaware of the inside news but Babar Azam told me that the Asia Cup squad will travel to the T20 World Cup. He was communicating from his side and we are on good terms as he is little brother," said Shoaib Malik while speaking to Cricket Pakistan.

"I will always be there for Babar to guide him regarding his game or anything. I am not a person who will stay unhappy and won't talk just because I am not selected for the Pakistan team. My prayers are with him and I always wish to see him grow more. I want to see Babar and Pakistan team at the top," he added.

At the same time, the 40-year-old also gave a clarification on his distasteful tweet against the  Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after the Men in Green’s Asia Cup final loss against Sri Lanka in September this year where he had publicly accused the cricket board of doing internal politics and favoritism while making team selections instead of selecting players on their merit.

"I have already clarified and those who think my selection was based on the tweet, they are totally wrong. The tweet came afterwards when I knew that the Asia Cup squad will play at the World Cup. It was not against anyone and was totally based on what I saw," Malik said.

Here's Shoaib Malik's controversial tweet in discussion.

- When will we come out from friendship, liking & disliking culture.
Allah always helps the honest...

— Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) September 11, 2022