Sana Clarifies Stance on Senior Players Like Babar, Rizwan in National Team

KARACHI: Pakistani actress Sana Javed addressed her prior remarks regarding her husband, Shoaib Malik, and his potential inclusion in the national team before the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 final against India. She emphasized the importance of having experienced players in the squad.

On the day of the tournament final, Sana expressed on Facebook that Malik’s vast experience would serve as a source of encouragement and instill confidence within the Pakistan team.

“If Shoaib Malik were playing today, his extensive experience would be a guiding light for the Pakistani team and its supporters. His mere presence on the field would boost courage and inspire a belief in victory,” Sana posted.

This statement gained widespread attention, drawing varied reactions. Some fans lauded her sentiment, while others criticized it, deeming it unrealistic.

Speculation arose among fans that Malik himself might have authored the post from his wife’s account.

Following the online reaction, the actress provided clarification, indicating that she was not specifically advocating for Malik’s inclusion. Instead, she highlighted the need for a seasoned player in the lineup, referencing prominent players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan as examples.

“I am not insisting that Shoaib Malik must be in the team. However, having at least one senior player is essential, such as Babar Azam, M. Rizwan, or others,” she explained.

Shoaib Malik, who debuted internationally in 1999, has played in 35 Tests, 287 ODIs, and 124 T20Is for Pakistan. His last T20I appearance was against Bangladesh in November 2021.