Shoaib Malik started his cricket career for Pakistan when he was in his teens. In 1996, at the age of 14, he toured England with Pakistan’s Under-15 team. Kamran Akmal, Faisal Iqbal, Yasir Arafat, Bazid Khan and Taufiq Umar were his teammates on that tour. Since then, Malik has never looked back and represented Pakistan at every level and in every format. He played every role the team needed him to play, from a successful opening batsman to a partnership-breaking bowler.

Once considered a blue-eyed boy of PCB, Malik is out-of-favour these days, but he has not lost hopes of wearing the green shirt once again. The News on Sunday interviewed him on the sidelines of ZTBL-Karachi Dolphins game in the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam Trophy in which Malik spoke his heart out and talked about various issues related to his career.

Following are excerpts from the interview.

The News on Sunday: Shoaib, 15 years of international cricket, are you satisfied with what you’ve achieved?

Shoaib Malik: I would say that I could’ve done better, but no one is perfect. I always tried to go the extra mile. I will not say that I am not satisfied with my career; it has been a good journey, but I think I can still play for a few more years.

TNS: What has been the best moment of your career?

SM: There have been so many memorable moments which I will never forget. But the era under Inzamam-ul-Haq’s captaincy was very satisfactory for me as far as my performance was concerned. I got chances regularly when he was the captain; there was no fear of getting axed in my mind so I would term the era from 2003 to 2007 as the most memorable time of my career.

TNS: You talked about consistency under Inzamam’s leadership; how did the post-Inzamam inconsistency in batting order dent your career?

SM: Those who understand Pakistan cricket know that I never played selfishly. I could have been selfish to make my position stronger, but playing like that never satisfies you. I always played according to the situation and requirement of the team. My batting position remained uncertain and that’s why I am saying that before my return (if I return), I will surely talk on this issue with the management.

TNS: At what position do you feel most comfortable?

SM: I am comfortable at any position, but my batting position should be fixed for a fair number of matches. And it is not just about me, there are countless others who came and got sidelined after a couple of matches. A player must know how many matches he has got to prove his mettle.

TNS: With Pakistan’s batting line struggling in limited overs cricket, are you hoping to be recalled for the World Cup 2015?

SM: Playing the World Cup for your country is always a big thing, but if selectors are considering me for the World Cup then they should have also considered me for ODIs against Australia. I don’t know why but seniors are only remembered before mega events like World Cups.

TNS: You seem very dejected?

SM: I am not feeling dejected at all, if I was disheartened then I would’ve left cricket. I am committed to the game. I won’t go if I feel that there is enough energy left in me. Cricket is my passion, and I will continue to play at whatever level I get the opportunity. It is true that sometimes I feel down as there are certain things but I can’t say it in public. I am focused on cricket.

TNS: What is stopping you from saying everything in public?

SM: I don’t have any grudges. I believe in hard work and I’ll continue doing it. Your emotions are hurt when you see that your career is being put at stake, that’s why I say that I want clarity on various issues, including my batting position.

TNS: When you’re not in the team, and you watch team struggling at some point, do you feel that your presence could’ve made some difference?

SM: This is something very natural, when I see them (Pakistan team) struggling at any stage, I say to myself that I would’ve done this or done that. But it can go in the opposite direction as well. What if I were there and also failed?

TNS: Let’s talk about the moment when you have felt the worst, the moment you regret the most?

SM: I think I should not have accepted the captaincy of Pakistan team in 2007. It affected me a lot. It was a mistake. Another moment was when I was removed as the captain. I had started building the team according to a plan and I was feeling that I was taking team in the right direction.

TNS: You were only 25 when you were named captain of Pakistan team; do you think that your captaincy turned your friends against you?

SM: I won’t deny this. A few people can’t see youngsters growing, there were some incidents but they are part of history now. I know some people who had a grudge against me, but I won’t name them. I’ve pardoned them all, and they’re like elder brothers to me. I still try to remain in touch with them.

TNS: How was your experience as the captain?

SM: Certainly, the captain’s post is not a bed of roses, not only in Pakistan, but also in India. We only need consistency and clarity. A captain should know for how long he’s been appointed and what he has to achieve.

TNS: At this stage of your life, what targets and goals you’ve set for yourself?

SM: If I remain fit the way I am, then I am aiming to play till the 2019 World Cup. If somewhere I feel that I am not fit enough, I will step aside myself. I won’t give up hopes of coming back even if I am not selected for the 2015 World Cup. My actual aim is to build a strong team for Pakistan after the upcoming World Cup.