I wasn't serious in maintaining documents of earnings: Malik

Malik, who last played in England last year in August, was cleared by the integrity committee on Friday and recalled to the Pakistan squad for the Zimbabwe tour yesterday.

"It feels great to be back in the team. I feel like I am making my debut for Pakistan once again. But I have learnt lot of lessons during this tough period for me," he said.

"For one, the only reason I got delayed in getting clearance from the integrity committee was because I didn't maintain proper documents and it took time getting them. The problem is players in Asian region generally tend to take these things non-seriously and leave things to managers," he noted.

"But I think the one lesson I learnt from this experience is that players must maintain proper documents of everything and also seek professional help."

Malik, who captained Pakistan between 2007 and 2009, said he was relieved that he has been cleared and finally able to play for Pakistan again.

"I know it wouldn't be easy making a comeback to. Even if you have played lot of international cricket it is never easy making a comeback but the good thing is that I have been training hard and playing domestic cricket so I am ready for the challenge," he said.

The PCB integrity committee had declined to give Malik clearance for national selection since last September after he failed to explain the source of some deposits in his overseas bank accounts in particular an amount of 95,000 pounds.

Malik managed to satisfy the committee after submitting the required documents.

Malik, who has appeared in 32 Tests and 192 one-day internationals, said he was now just focusing on his cricket and comeback.

"What happened is now history and I think every player goes through such ups and downs in life."

Malik denied he used political connections to get clearance from the board.
"I submitted all documents to get clearance. And I feel I can still play for Pakistan for another seven to eight years," he said.

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq said he was happy to see Malik back in the team but made it clear he would have to work hard to cement his place.

"He is a very good player everyone knows that but we can only decide about his selection once we get to Zimbabwe. But I am sure his experience will be good for the team," Misbah said.