Karachi, Dec 15 (IANS) Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik says he and his fellow players were very disappointed at the cancellation of the inaugural Champions League Twenty20 event in India.
Malik, who was supposed to lead Pakistan Twenty20 champions Sialkot Stallions in the Champions League, said his team was really looking forward to give its best in the Six-million-dollar tournament.
The inaugural Champions League which was supposed to take place earlier this month in India was cancelled in the wake of last month’s Mumbai terror attacks.
“It would have been a great event, but unfortunately it was cancelled in some real sad circumstances,” he told reporters here at the National Stadium.
Malik’s position as Pakistan captain is uncertain as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) bosses will review his performance and decide early next month he will be retained as the skipper.
However, the player said he is not worried about it. “Captaincy is an additional responsibility for me,” he said. “My focus is always on to give my best for the country in whatever way I can,” he said.
Malik, 26, said he is confident that his team will have a much more productive year in 2009 after going through a disappointing time in the current year.
Malik pointed out that Pakistan have some very important series and tournaments in 2009 adding that his team will try to give its best in those assignments.
“The year 2008 was not a very good year for us as far as activities are concerned but I’m sure that next year will be much better,” he said.
“We have Australia coming here and then several tours and the Champions Trophy at home. I’m confident that the team will do well in 2009,” he added.
Pakistan was left without a single Test in 2008 after Australia refused to tour the country in March-April this year citing security concerns. Later, the International Cricket Council postponed the Champions Trophy which was supposed to take place here in September this year after five of the eight competing teams refused to travel to Pakistan to play in the biennial tournament.