Farewell to Shoaib Malik. Farewell Pakistan. Shoaib did not have the swansong that he might have imagined but he served his country for two decades, brought us laurels and made us smile. All in all, he is one of the finest servants of the game; not perfect but who in Pakistani cricket ever is. I will surely miss him.
While Shoaib Malik fades away, in Shaheen Afridi, the future shines.
Till we see otherwise, Sarfraz is still the team captain. He is the same guy you had on your shoulders less than two years ago with a champions trophy title.
Babar Azam, you join the ranks of legends. Still a long journey ahead, yet you are a true star in making. Babarnama of Batting Has Been Written
It’s time that Pakistan stop concentrating on the family name and judge Imam for his form and consistency alone.
Wahab, for all his brain fades in the past, fought like a warrior and must be applauded for it.
Amir, from ashes, was reborn. A champion? Not yet but he is surely on track now.
Haris emerged when everyone else could not. I hope he has a grip on his fitness and consistency, to be the permanent feature in the future.
Hassan Ali , you are a fighter and there is a fight ahead. The biggest one, as it is with your own demons. We will support you and stand with you just like we did when you conquered the world. We don’t abandon our own.
I did and still do consider Imad a bits and pieces player but there is no denying the fact that he stood tall when the odds were stacked against him. I so hope he proves me wrong and becomes the all rounder we so desperately need.
It is still your team it is flawed it is weak it is comical at times but it is yours you celebrate its follies.You celebrate its fighting spirit and you celebrate its doggedness.
Let them strive to be better. Let’s stand behind them for them to rise and shine, yet again. Let’s all suggest what needs to be done; the structural reforms, the strategic perspective, the tactical adjustments. Let’s talk about the small things.
Let us talk about the big picture. We must not denounce your own. Pakistan team fought on the pitch and they lost the war, yet they have won the battles. It is time to show the appreciation, not the contempt, love, not the detest. Every end is about a new beginning. Let’s begin, again.