KARACHI: Experienced all-rounder Shoaib Malik on Friday, announced to part ways with former champions Karachi Kings ahead of the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
The former Pakistan captain made the announcement on micro blogging website X, formerly Twitter, stating that his time has ‘come to an end’ with the Kings, for whom he played four PSL seasons.
“I would like to announce that my time with the [Karachi Kings] has come to an end. It has been a great experience playing for this amazing franchise and teammates,” said Malik.
Malik also thanked the Kings’ management for their support during his two stints before expressing his excitement to be a part of the PSL draft for the first time since the inception of the marquee league in 2016.
“During my two stints with the team, [Salman Iqbal] and the management have been super accommodating and supportive.
“Best wishes to you guys. Looking forward to be a part of the PSL Draft for the first time and an exciting season ahead.”
Notably, Malik is one of the few players to be a regular part of the PSL since its inception. The all-rounder represented three franchises – Kings, Multan Sultans and Peshawar Zalmi – across the nine editions but never won the title.
Overall, he has played 91 matches and is the fourth-leading run-scorer in the league’s history with 2336 runs at an average of 33.37 with the help of 15 half-centuries. He also has 17 wickets to his name.
For the unversed, Shoaib Malik, who mentored the Stallions to the Champions T20 Cup glory, scored 132 runs in seven innings for the side at a meagre average of 26.40 and a strike rate of 112.82.
The 42-year-old, who made his international debut in 1999, represented Pakistan in 35 Tests, 287 ODIs and 124 T20Is. His last appearance, however, came in 2021 against Bangladesh.
Sohail Imran Sohail Imran is a senior reporter for Geo News.- Shoaib Malik
