Shoaib Malik feels emotional as Test cricket returns to Pakistan

Shoaib Malik definitely knows a thing or two about how it feels to play Test cricket in front of the home crowd. The former Pakistan captain made his Test debut in 2001 and played Tests at home for around a decade before the unfortunate turn of events compelled the country to shift base to UAE. He eventually retired from the longest format of the game in 2015.

But while Malik has cherished the opportunity to play Test at home, none of the current Pakistan Test players have experienced that so far. But they will finally get the taste of it later this month when Pakistan and Sri Lanka lock horns in a two-match Test series. The series will mark the return of Tests in Pakistan who haven’t hosted a Test since the attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009.

An emotional moment for Shoaib Malik

As Pakistan gear up to finally host Test on their own soil, Shoaib Malik expressed his jubilation. The veteran, who retired from ODIs earlier this year, said that the return of Test match cricket on his home soil would be an emotional moment for him.

“Test cricket coming back to Pakistan is quite an emotional moment for me. When I retired from red-ball cricket, I knew I was letting go, at a certain level, the essence of cricket. I knew Test cricket will return to Pakistan Inshallah but now that it’s here, I’m feeling very emotional,” Malik was quoted as saying by  Pakistancricket.com.

“I wish I was there in person to witness this but also see our stadiums filled with fans and enjoy a long form of cricket in this era of fast life. I must thank the Sri Lankan team and the Sri Lankan Board for taking this step and playing an instrumental role in bringing international cricket back to our country and to our people,” he added.

Pakistan will be looking to bounce back against Sri Lanka after a disastrous tour of Australia. Pakistan lost both the Tests by an innings as they were outplayed by Tim Paine & Co. The upcoming series will be an opportunity for Pakistan to open their account in the World Test Championship.

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