I'm Not Enjoying Playing For Pakistan - Shoaib Malik

Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik, currently playing Twenty20 cricket for the Birmingham Bears, has revealed that he is not enjoying playing for his country at the moment.

Nevertheless, in an interview with www.PakPassion.net, Malik says that he still wants to represent Pakistan - in all three formats.

"I appreciate that fans are thinking that I am playing the 20-over format more than any other format, but if I am not getting the opportunities to play in Test cricket or one day internationals then that just leaves T20s for me," Malik said.

"I’m keen to participate in T20 leagues around the world but I still want to play all three formats for Pakistan.

"I’m fit enough, the desire is still there, the hunger is there to play for Pakistan and I feel that from 30 to 37 are your best cricketing years as a batsmen.

"I’m enjoying my T20 cricket wherever I am playing in the world but honestly speaking right now I’m not enjoying playing for Pakistan."

Part of his frustration has been a lack of clarity of what his role in the side is.

"Next time I get the opportunity to play for Pakistan I will first ask for some clarity beforehand.

"For example why am I not being used as a bowler, why am I not getting a chance to bowl for Pakistan when over here at Warwickshire I’m bowling regularly and taking wickets.

"Wherever I play cricket I get the opportunity to bowl apart from when I am playing for Pakistan.

"I’ve always wanted to play and still want to play as an all-rounder for Pakistan.

"I’m one of the most senior cricketers in the Pakistan team but I don’t know where I’m going to be batting in the next match and that is ridiculous.

"I don’t wish to make excuses, but I know what’s been happening when I’ve been in Pakistan squads and those people who are doing all these things to me in Pakistan cricket know what’s been happening."

No such worries for Malik at Edgbaston, where he has scored 153 runs and taken four wickets to put the Bears in fourth place in the North Group and in contention to reach the quarter-finals.

"I feel it’s going well, we’ve won most of our matches and I’ve been in good form," he said.

"The feedback I’ve had from my team mates and the team management has been awesome and I’m very appreciative of the support I’ve had from everyone at Warwickshire.

"I’m giving 100% to the team’s cause and I’ve really been enjoying my cricket," he added.

© Cricket World 2014