It was a day of double delight for Pakistan’s seasoned cricket campaigner, Shoaib Malik, as he not only made headlines with his personal life but also left an indelible mark on the cricket field. On Saturday, January 20, Malik featured in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) for Fortune Barishal, marking his comeback to competitive cricket. While fans were abuzz with news of his third marriage, his performance on the pitch added a new chapter to his storied career.
As Barishal squared off against Rangpur Riders in their opening campaign, it was Malik’s bat that announced the return of the stalwart in style. Chasing a modest target of 138 runs, Barishal secured an effortless five-wicket victory, all thanks to Malik’s pivotal role in the chase. He walked in at number six and remained unbeaten, scoring a crucial 17 off 18 balls. The runs might seem modest in isolation, but they carried Malik past an extraordinary milestone: he surpassed 13,000 runs in T20 cricket, becoming just the second player after the explosive Chris Gayle to reach this significant tally.
The quest for this milestone was not a question of if, but when, for Malik needed a mere seven runs at the start of the match to etch his name in the annals of T20 history. His 13,010 runs, gathered over 487 innings, now place him in an elite class of batsmen along with Chris Gayle, who leads the chart with 14,562 runs in 455 innings. Trailing behind them are other T20 stalwarts like Kieron Pollard, with 12,454 runs in 568 innings, Virat Kohli, who has amassed 11,994 runs in 359 innings, and Alex Hales, with 11,807 runs in 424 innings.
While Malik’s prolific run-scoring spree includes 2,435 runs for Pakistan in 124 international caps, his national team future seems dim. Nonetheless, at 41, this veteran is far from calling it quits and continues to demonstrate his prowess in global T20 leagues.
Shoaib Malik’s career has been synonymous with resilience and versatility. Over the decades, he has adapted his game to the evolving demands of the shortest format. His ability to anchor an inning or accelerate when needed makes him a prized possession in any T20 outfit. Whether steering the middle order or chipping in with handy off-spin, Malik’s multifaceted contributions reflect his invaluable experience and understanding of the game.
As the BPL season gets into full swing, Malik will undoubtedly be a player to watch. After the first round of matches, except for Chattogram Challengers who have played twice, all teams have had one outing. The competition promises to intensify as the tournament moves forward. With Khulna Tigers, Fortune Barishal, Durdanto Dhaka, and the Challengers off to winning starts, and Comilla Victorians, Rangpur Riders, and Sylhet Strikers still warming up, the BPL is heating up despite running alongside other concurrent T20 leagues.
As for Shoaib Malik, he might have achieved the remarkable milestone of 13,000 T20 runs, but those who have followed his career closely know that his appetite for runs is insatiable. Fans across the globe will be keenly watching as he continues to ply his trade, aiming to not only extend his run record but also lead Fortune Barishal to BPL glory. The league, now garnering more attention and finding its own place in the global T20 landscape, will be graced by his presence and his pursuit of cricketing excellence.
In conclusion, as the BPL unfolds and T20 cricket finds its various heroes, Malik’s accomplishments will stand as a testament to his enduring commitment to the game. His journey serves as an inspiration for many, proving that age is but a number, and class, as they say, is always permanent.
