Thaindian News

Karachi, May 4 (IANS) Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik remains hopeful of making his international return in spite of reports that he has been sidelined by his country’s cricket authorities because of match-fixing suspicions.

Malik, who hasn’t played for Pakistan since the Test series against England in August 2010, said that he is working hard on his game and is confident of returning to international cricket soon.

“Cricket is my passion and I am completely focusing on it right now,” said the all-rounder, who is reportedly on a PCB blacklist for suspected links to bookies.

Malik, who is married to Indian tennis star Sania Mirza, said he is also taking extensive yoga classes along with his wife to keep himself in shape.

“I am keeping myself busy by playing club cricket to maintain my form and fitness. I have also attended 40-hour yoga classes recently and I am fit as ever.

“I only believe in my game and I am hopeful I will win my place (in the national team) by proving my worth.”

There have been reports that Malik has not been cleared for national duty by the PCB Integrity Committee. But the Sialkot-born player made it clear that he hasn’t been told anything about his case by the PCB.

“There is no official version by PCB on my case and I cannot comment on it further. I did my job and now it is up to the board to decide my case,” he said.