Shoaib Malik suggests team confidence is high ahead of the 'Independence Cup'

Pakistan’s middle order batsman, Shoaib Malik, recently claimed that the men in green are high on confidence even though they face a formidable World XI side in a 3-match T20I affair. The Pakistani stalwart spoke to the media on the sidelines while training at Gadaffi Stadium at Lahore. The matches will be played on September 12, 13 and 15.

Malik also shared that the team is well trained even though they have not played any International match post-Champions Trophy. The 35-year old also suggested that they would not disappoint in the upcoming matches at the home of cricket in Pakistan.

“Our players play domestic cricket so they are well trained. Senior players need to guide the youngsters,” claimed Shoaib Malik according to Geo TV. He further added that this is a perfect opportunity for the lads who unfortunately haven’t played any international matches in front of their home crowd. One of the reporters also questioned him regarding the issue of the majority of players lacking that kind of exposure.

Pakistan not taking their opposition lightly

“This is a big opportunity for new players to play in front of their own people. Those feelings can’t be described in words,” replied Malik. He then went on to state that it is too early for him to think about the World Cups of 2019 as well as 2023.

Pakistan head Coach, Mickey Arthur, earlier on Sunday revealed that this Independence Cup would open the gates for International Cricket in the country and team dearly wants to win the series. The tickets for the first match has already been sold out. Pak fans are trying their level best to get their hands on the tickets for the subsequent matches.

That said, the team is not taking the formidable World XI side lightly and are keeping an eye out for the World Cup 2019 to be held in England. “We are also focusing on World Cup 2019,” commented Mickey Arthur on Sunday.