"Darzi jub tak jeeye ga tab tak seeye ga": Fans react as Shoaib Malik quits PSL at 43

Fans react to Shoaib Malik's PSL retirement [Source: @CrickTrack360/X.com]

Shoaib Malik has officially brought his PSL journey to an end, closing a chapter that began with the league’s very first season in 2016. At 43, Malik’s decision has sparked strong reactions from fans across Pakistan and beyond. 

While some have questioned how long he continued to play, many others have praised his fitness and consistency. Malik had been a part of the league for as long as 10 seasons. 

His farewell should have been the end of an era. Instead, it turned into a social media spectacle because of the timing of the announcement.

Fans ridicule Shoaib Malik for longevity amid PSL farewell

As soon as Shoaib Malik announced his retirement from the PSL, social media lit up with mixed reactions.  A section of fans began trolling him for playing well into his forties, calling his PSL career “never-ending.” 

However, Malik also received admiration. Many supporters pointed out how rare it is for a player to remain competitive for ten straight seasons in a league that constantly refreshes its talent pool. 

Israr Ahmed Hashmi

@IamIsrarHashmi

End of an era! Shoaib Malik has announced his retirement from the PSL. Despite being the most decorated Asian in terms of T20 trophies, Malik could never get his hands on a PSL trophy. May he'll coach someday coz "Darzi jub tak jeeye ga tab tak seeye ga*

Jan 20, 2026, 6:37 PM

AmerCric 🏏 ✍️

@Amermalik12

So is there a format or a franchise Shoaib Malik is yet to retire from—in that case will he retiring from each one individually?

M Bilal Ghauri 🇵🇰🇴🇲🇨🇦

@MBG360

Finally, Shoaib Malik has retired... about five years too late...

Abdulhaikhan

@Abdulha53787941

Shoaib Malik cricket career Really @realshoaibmalik

Jan 21, 2026, 2:15 AM

Operation Bunyan Un Marsoos

@BunyanUnMarsoos

@PehnDiSiri Shoaib Malik was only 2 years old when the game of Cricket was invented & the pyramids of Giza were still under construction

On January 20, Shoaib Malik confirmed his retirement through an emotional social media post, saying the time felt right to step away as a player. He talked about the bonds he formed and the memories he created in the ten seasons.

He also made it clear that while his playing days in the PSL are over, his passion for cricket remains unchanged. 

Across 93 PSL matches, Malik scored 2350 runs at an average of 33.09 and a strike rate of 127.78. He also contributed to the team in terms of part-time off spin when required.

He represented four franchises, Karachi Kings, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators, and remained a reliable option for every team he played for.

Even in later seasons, he continued to contribute meaningfully, which explains why franchises kept backing him year after year.

Fans speculate on Shoaib Malik’s future move

That being said, Malik’s retirement also carries extra meaning because of the league’s expansion. The PSL has added two new teams, Hyderabad and Sialkot, marking a new era. 

Before the PSL era, Shoaib Malik captained the Sialkot Stallions, the most successful domestic T20 side in Pakistan’s history. 

Under his leadership, the Stallions dominated Pakistan’s domestic T20 circuit and built a legacy that many still remember. With Sialkot now returning to top-level franchise cricket, Malik stepping away feels he may be in for a broader career role. 

While he will not play for the new Sialkot team, he might get a role in coaching or support staff. If this happens, Malik’s retirement will make more sense. 

Nevertheless, Shoaib Malik isn’t expected to step away from cricket completely. His playing days might be over, but his coaching days might as well just begin with the PSL era.