Lahore, May 4:
Former skipper Shoaib Malik has turned down approaches from county sides Hampshire and Essex hoping for his possible inclusion in the national side for the tour of Sri Lanka next month.
‘I was offered county contracts through my representative but I refused to sign the deal because of a strict clause in those contracts.
The teams sought assurance that I will be forced to play for them if I sign the deal, even if I was selected for Pakistan,’ Malik was quoted as saying by the ‘Express Tribune’.
‘That left me with no option but to turn them down as making a return to the national side is my priority. I am hoping to regain my place in the squad ahead of the Sri Lanka tour,’ he added.
The 30-year-old all-rounder was discarded from the Asia Cup squad following the limited-overs series-loss against England.
However, his chances of regaining a place in the side improved after he passed the fitness test under the supervision of coach Dav Whatmore.
Pakistan selectors will name the squad on May 12 for the tour that starts on June 1.
The Misbah-ul-Haq-led Pakistan side will play three Tests, five One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and two Twenty20s in Sri Lanka.
Malik, who played 32 Tests and 203 ODIs, said he was working hard to maintain his form and fitness.
‘I am training hard and also playing club matches these days.
If I get another chance, I will try my best to perform for Pakistan,’ he said. (UNI)
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