Pakistan’s all-rounder Shoaib Malik said on Monday he is looking forward to playing until the 2019 World Cup.
“My goal is to play 2019 World Cup. That’s why I have taken retirement from Test cricket,” Malik said, according to Emirates 24/7.
The former Pakistan captain said that his recent success is down to his fitness, over which he never compromised.
“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 your yourself (being) consistent also at the same time,” said Malik, who recently retired from Test cricket after making a long awaited comeback to the Test side after a gap of five years.
When asked about what keeps him motivated, the 33-year-old said that his passion for the game is the motivation him behind achieving his goals.
“Cricket is my passion,” said Malik who was surprisingly included in the Test series against England, where he ended up scoring 292 runs at an average of 48.5 and took 11 wickets.
“My father always wanted me to play cricket. Even though he is not here anymore but I play cricket because it’s my passion,” he added.
“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.”
Malik, who became the seventh player in history to have more than 6,000 runs and more than 150 wickets, said that working out every day is necessary for everyone to stay healthy.
“It’s [training] very important even when you are not an athlete. Even for a normal person this should be your routine in life,” said Malik.
“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,” he added.
