Veteran Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik, who made a spectacular comeback into the Pakistani Test squad after five years, has announced retirement from the longest format of the game. The 33-year-old said that he wanted to vacate the place for youngsters who are ready to fill in his shoes. Malik added that he wanted to focus more on ODIs and is willing to play the 2019 World Cup. In the first Test of the on-oing three-match series, Malik slammed 245 runs against England at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The match ended in a draw.

Malik has played 35 Tests for Pakistan where he has scored 1898 runs at an average of 35.14.

Did You Know???

• Pakistan manufactures more than 50% of World’s hand-sewed footballs.
• Pakistan is the first Islamic country in the world to attain nuclear power.
• Pakistan shares a land border with Afghanistan, China, India and Iran.
• The largest city in Pakistan is Karachi which is home to over 13 million people. It is the financial hub of the country and is a major seaport.
• Pakistan’s national sport is field hockey. The country has had a lot of success in the sport having won the Olympic gold medal 3 times