By Emb Hashmi
Pakistani international cricketer is embraced by Birmingham Bears for a seven match contract where he hopes to ball and bat to the best of his ability, wowing the crowd and boosting his teams overall performance. One thing that may just help his performance is the fact that the cricket stars wife Sania Mirza is just round the corner, taking part in some of the world’s most prestigious tennis tournaments.
Asian World spoke to Pakistan’s all-rounder about his stint with Birmingham Bears, his international career and his future in cricket.
Shoaib started off by saying he was very happy to be part of the Birmingham Bears team, and would have liked to play longer than the seven match contract he has. However due to his commitments in the Caribbean he was unable to- even though he really enjoys playing in England.
Shoaib went on to say he will play as well as he ever has and is confident that he will perform well, although the weather and pitch conditions are different from what he is used to, he can easily adapt. He told us, “to relax and gear up for matches. I think it is important to have a laugh with team mates; it is great therapy and can mentally prepare you for a game as you feel relaxed and at ease with your new surroundings which can help you perform better.”
At his first game he got off to a flying start which gave him momentum for the following matches where his effort was evident.
This international signing for Birmingham Bears may have been the kick start to the Natwest T20 Blast the team needed. After all the 32-year-old has ample experience in the format, with a batting average of nearly 37 and a bowling average of just 23. We asked him if he thought he was a specialist in this format a T20, he said: “I think I am very good in all formats however I do have a lot of experience in playing in T20’s which always helps and has taught me a lot.”
He ended by stating that his fitness is very good and he is on form even though there have been some doubts from some onlookers, suggesting he was not on form. One thing is for sure there were a lot more Pakistani faces in the crowds during Shoaib Malik’s time with the Bears as diversity is always a good thing.
