Shoaib Malik could be the star attraction at Málaga Cartama Oval

CONTROVERSIAL international cricketer Shoaib Malik could be the star attraction at a three day Charity Cricket Fest towards the end of September at Malaga’s Cartama Oval.

The former Pakistan captain, currently playing with  Pakistan and the Barbados Tridents, has expressed interest in playing at the Cartama Oval for Turf India CC who will be travelling from New Delhi to appear in the event. 

Shoaib made his One-Day International debut in 1999 against the West Indies and his Test debut in 2001 against Bangladesh. He has taken over 100 ODI wickets, and has a batting average in the mid 30s in both Test and ODI cricket.

His bowling action has come under scrutiny (particularly his doosra) but he has had elbow surgery in order to correct it. Malik was ranked second, behind teammate Shahid Afridi, in the ICC ODI all-rounder rankings in June 2008.

In March 2010, Malik received a one-year ban from international cricket from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB); the ban was overturned two months later. 

Event organiser Tim Meal said that he has been approached about Malik’s availability for the festival and said that it would be a huge benefit to help promote cricket in southern Spain, and particularly the Costa del Sol.

However Tim says he would need sponsorship for the event in order to make this happen. Turf India CC are just one of six teams that have entered the event along with three more teams from the UK, one from Holland and a team from Andalucia. Tim is now looking for sponsorship for the event.

For more information please contact Tim on tim_sheena@hotmail.com