Pakistan veteran Shoaib Malik thinks that Pakistan have a great chance to win the T20 World Cup this year. The mega event is scheduled to take place later this year in Australia. However, dark clouds loom over the future of the tournament due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The International Cricket Council is yet to final call on the ICC T20 World Cup. But Cricket Australia chairman Earl Eddings has confirmed that hosting the mega event this year is an unrealistic dream.

Pakistan can win T20 World Cup – Shoaib Malik

Veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik believes Pakistan have a good chance if the T20 World Cup takes place. Pakistan, who occupied No.1 T20I rankings for a good period, has a good balance in their squad and has done exceedingly well in this format. Pakistan’s bowling attack comprises players like Mohammed Amir, Wahab Riaz, Shadab Khan & Shaheen Afridi.

“I believe our chances are very good,” Shoaib Malik told PakPassion. “In order to win these kinds of events, you have to have a very strong bowling attack and I think we have that box ticked. In addition, we also have a good batting line-up to complement that strong bowling attack,” he added. 

When asked about the fielding and fitness problem Pakistan has been facing since many years Malik said they have improved a great deal in the last few years. Shoaib Malik was part of Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad in 2009 where they emerged champions under the leadership of Younis Khan.

“Our fielding has also developed and improved over the years, which is important on big grounds, fitness is much improved and better than it was in previous years, so overall, I think we will be right up there as a team that stands a very good chance of winning this tournament if it goes ahead,” he added. 

Meanwhile, Shoaib Malik has been selected in the 29 man squad to tour England for 3 Tests and 3 T20s. Although he has retired from ODIs and Tests, Malik is likely to play a key role in the T20 side.