ISLAMABAD, Nov 22 (APP): Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik is looking forward to continue playing until the 2019 World Cup, attributing his rich vein of form to his obsession with fitness.
“My health is good, fitness is good. My goal is to play 2019 World Cup. That’s why I have taken retirement from Test cricket,” said Malik who made an epic double century against England in Abu Dhabi five years after making a return from Test wilderness.
The 33 year-old former Pakistan skipper’s formula for staying fit is
simple. “It’s hard work. If you want to achieve something, hard work is the
best thing who guides you to achieve your goals,” Malik was quoted by
`Emirates 24/7′ as saying.
“I’m actually a little obsessed with myself, so I try to train every
day,” he said.
“I wasn’t part of the team for like five years. But I try to train
every day and I’ve tried to maintain myself when it’s about fitness. If you look at all the sports, if you are physically fit you can achieve your goals and see yourself being consistent also at the same time,” said Malik who became the seventh player to reach the landmark of scoring 6000 runs and
taking 150 wickets in ODIs during the recent series against England in the
UAE.
Malik also scored 292 runs at an average of 48.67 and took 11 wickets
during the three-Test series against England.
Asked what keeps him motivating to achieve greater heights in his
career, Malik said: “Cricket is my passion. My father always wanted me to play cricket. Even though he is not there anymore but I play cricket because it’s my passion. That’s what is asking me to go and train. I think even when I leave cricket, I will be seeing myself in the gym every day.”
“Training is very important even when you are not an athlete. Even for a normal person this should be your routine in life. Train every day. Whatever you could do, you should do. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t go to the gym, take a dip in the pool,” added Malik
Shoaib Malik wants to play till 2019 World Cup
