Shoaib Malik: IPL T20 Dehli Dare Devils Star
February 15, 2009
Shoaib Malik was born in Sialkot on 1 February, 1982. Shoaib started his cricket career as a specialist off-spinner with an action very similar to that of great Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq. Shoaib also had a ‘Dosra’ like Saqlain but was not as effective.
Malik faced a major set-back when his action was reported and so after undergoing several tests, he modified his action slightly. But this incident had a great influence over his bowling as he lost confidence in his bowling abilities and is now regarded as a batsman who can bowl a bit. Malik announced himself as a hard-hitting batsman when he scored a mind blowing innings of 82 runs from just 41 balls against South Africa. Malik also has an excellent record against arch rivals India in ODIs. Apart from his contributions with bat and ball Malik is an excellent fielder and a brisk runner between the wickets.
Malik was handed the golden opportunity to captain Pakistan side after Inzamam decided to retire after a dismal performance in West Indies World Cup in 2007. As middle order batsman Younis Khan was not willing to take this responsibility Malik was the obvious choice. Former cricketers in Pakistan had mixed reaction to his appointment as captain, but legendary Pakistan Cricketer Imran Khan welcomed this decision. Malik was the captain of his domestic Sialkot side for some time before and had shown excellent leadership skills.
As the skipper Malik has led Sialkot Stallions to three consecutive victories in the domestic Twenty 20 competition. In the 2008 tournament Stallions were not expected to put up a good show as key players like Rana Naved, Imran Nazir had joined ICL while Mohammed Asif was also unavailable, but despite all this Malik led them to victory.
Throughout, the tournament Malik motivated his side to defend small totals through good bowling and fielding. Although, Stallions is a hugely under-rated side but they are ranked in the second spot in the International Twenty 20 rankings. In the inaugural Twenty 20 Champions League Shoaib Malik’s Sialkot Stallions will be a force to reckon with and other sides cannot take them lightly.