Shoaib Malik: ODI Legend & T20 Pioneer

Shoaib Malik is one of Pakistan’s longest-serving cricketers — a versatile all-rounder whose career spans over two decades, multiple formats, and global leagues.

Shoaib Malik infographic

Shoaib Malik — Career Overview

Category Details
Full Name Shoaib Malik
Born 1 February 1982, Sialkot, Punjab
Height 6 ft (183 cm)
Batting Style Right-handed
Bowling Style Right-arm offbreak
Role All-rounder

Shoaib Malik’s International Career

Format Debut Last Match
Test 29 Aug 2001 vs Bangladesh 1 Nov 2015 vs England
ODI 14 Oct 1999 vs West Indies 16 Jun 2019 vs India
T20I 28 Aug 2006 vs England 20 Nov 2021 vs Bangladesh

Shoaib Malik Career Stats

Shoaib Malik

Format Matches Runs Wickets
Test 35 1,898 32
ODI 287 7,534 158
T20I 124 2,435 28

Shoaib Malik — Under‑19 Career Summary

Shoaib Malik represented Pakistan at the Under‑19 level, but his rise to international cricket came quickly through his impressive domestic performances and early senior selection. His U-19 career was brief and not well-documented in match archives.

    Verified Details

  • Malik played for Pakistan Under‑15s and Pakistan Under‑19s.
  • He was part of youth squads in the late 1990s, just before his ODI debut in 1999 at age 17.
  • His U‑19 appearances were limited because he was fast‑tracked to the senior team early.

Timeline Snapshot

Year Age Level Notes
1997–98 15–16 Pakistan U‑15s Early youth representation
1998–99 16–17 Pakistan U‑19s Brief stint before senior call-up
Oct 1999 17 ODI debut vs West Indies in Sharjah

   Why His U‑19 Career Was Short

  • Malik was already playing domestic cricket for Sialkot and PIA in his teens.
  • His off-spin and batting versatility impressed selectors early.
  • He was selected for Pakistan’s senior ODI squad at just 17 years old, bypassing a full U‑19 cycle.

 Key Takeaway

Shoaib Malik’s U‑19 career was a stepping stone, but his rapid rise through domestic cricket and early international exposure meant he didn’t spend long in youth ranks — a path similar to other precocious talents like Hasan Raza and Mohammad Amir.

   Career Highlights

  • Captain of Pakistan in all formats during the mid-2000s
  • Part of the 2009 T20 World Cup–winning squad
  • Played in multiple World Cups and Asia Cups
  • Represented over 20 domestic and franchise teams globally
  • Known for his adaptability, match awareness, and long

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