'Struggling' Shoaib Malik says he can still play for Pakistani for many more years

Islamabad, Mar 17 (ANI): Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik, who is struggling to find a permanent place in the squad, has said he still has the confidence to remain and keep playing for Pakistan for several more years.

Malik, who has led Pakistan in 36 One-Day Internationals (ODI), three Tests and 17 Twenty20s, was dropped for the Asia Cup, becoming one of the casualties of the disastrous limited-overs leg of the series against England.

The all-rounder was included in the series against England at captain Misbahul Haq's request, but failed to contribute substantially.

However, Malik said he would bounce back and book a spot in the team.

"I recovered most of my form in the last ODI against England. That gave me a lot of confidence which can be seen in my performance in the T20s," The Express Tribune quoted Malik, as saying.

"I almost regained my confidence after struggling in the previous months. Being snubbed for the Asia Cup has broken the tempo, but I'm a professional cricketer and such things happen."

"I can play for another six to eight years. The mid-thirties are the best years for a batsman. I'm not the kind of player who'll keep on playing. If I feel I can't perform anymore, I will quit," he added.

However, the 30-year-old, who has played 32 Tests and 203 ODIs, stressed that he had a lot of cricket left in him. (ANI)