I have a lot of cricket left - Malik

Shoaib Malik, the Pakistan former captain, believes that he could be in contention for national selection after leading his sides to domestic one-day and Twenty20 titles. Malik, who is not contracted by the PCB, has also been called for a fitness assessment at the National Cricket Academy.

"I know I have a lot of cricket left," Malik told ESPNCricinfo. "They [PCB] know what I am capable of and how I can make a difference by being in the team. I am fit and in the best form. There is always a bad patch in every player's life but that doesn't mean he is done with his cricket - that's not the case."

Malik, 30, last represented Pakistan in the ODI series against England in UAE, but was dropped for the Asia Cup. During that period, he led PIA to the Faysal Bank One-Day National Cup title while finishing it as the leading scorer and second on the list of wicket-takers. Two weeks later, he led Sialkot Stallions to the Faysal Bank Super Eight T-20 Cup.

"I am very motivated to try and get back into the side. There is always a time in your life when you are tested but what's important is that you stand tall and look for the best out of the worst. I have played some great match-winning knocks for the country that earned me a great reputation both on and off the field."

Malik's performances in domestic cricket highlight his value as a leader and as an allrounder - the dual role he played when captain of Pakistan. During two years of his leadership, from 2007, Pakistan failed to win any of the three Tests it played, but won 24 out of 36 ODIs and 12 of 17 T20Is.

"I should not have accepted the captaincy at that time and that is my biggest regret in my cricketing career. It's not like I wasn't ready but there are other factors that I think should not be part of the debate at the moment. I have never complained about anyone and I always want to focus on my game and want to play my cricket with best of my ability."

Malik's previous comeback attempts proved to be disappointing and he failed to impress against Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and England. However, his recent form makes him a strong limited-overs prospect and increases the likelihood of his getting a one-year contract this year.

"The difference is the confidence. Every player has role to play in the team and he is always become successful only once he is given confidence."

"As far as the captaincy is concerned I am least interested in it. I don't know what they [PCB] are going to decide about me but I have ensured my best performance at the domestic level and my fitness is perfect for international cricket."