Lahore, Aug 20: Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik, who has been cleared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Integrity Committee for selection in the national team, has said that he has already lost a lot of valuable time, but vowed to cover up for it by making an impressive comeback.
“Playing for Pakistan is my greatest joy and honour. I am very happy to be cleared for which I was very much hopeful,” The Express Tribune quoted Malik, as saying.
“The last year was very tough on me, and not playing the 2011 World Cup was the biggest tragedy of my life, but now I will do my best and perform for my country whenever I get a chance,” he added.
Malik was the second-highest run-scorer in the Quaide Azam Trophy Division One last season with 799 runs at an average of over 73.
“I want to play cricket and though I have already lost a lot of valuable time, I will cover up for it by an impressive return. Now it is up to the board and selectors to select me,” the former skipper said.
Malik was kept out of contention for national duties after the Integrity Committee raised questions over a certain amount in his England bank account because of which his name was linked with suspicious activities.
He had been appearing before the committee since January, with his last meeting taking place on Monday, when he handed over most of the required documentation.
“The integrity committee, after detailed deliberation, has unanimously reached the conclusion that Malik has been able to establish that the said deposits in this overseas account did not emanate from any questionable source or activity,” said a PCB statement.
“As against that, no incriminating material to the contrary was available on the record hence Malik is hereby cleared by the integrity committee,” the statement added.
