Pakistan allrounder Malik wants to play till 2019 World Cup

Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik is looking forward to continue playing until the 2019 World Cup, attributing his rich vein of form to his obsession with fitness.

"My health is good, fitness is good Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah).  My goal is to play 2019 World Cup. That's why I have taken retirement from Test cricket," said Malik who made an epic double century against England in Abu Dhabi five years after making a return from Test wilderness.

The 33 year-old former Pakistan skipper's formula for staying fit is simple.

"It's hard work. If you want to achieve something, hard work is the best thing who guides you to achieve your goals," said Malik who is married to Indian tennis star Sania Mirza.

"I'm actually a little obsessed with myself, so I try to train every day," said Malik who never gave up training when he was not picked to play for Pakistan.

"I wasn't part of the team for like five years. But I try to train every day and I've tried to maintain myself when it's about fitness. If you look at all the sports, if you are physically fit you can achieve your goals and see your yourself (being) consistent also at the same time," said Malik  who became became the seventh player to reach the landmark of scoring 6000 runs and taking 150 wickets in ODIs during the recent series against England in the UAE.

Malik also scored 292 runs at an average of 48.67 and took 11 wickets during the three-Test series against England.

Asked what keeps him motivating to achieve greater heights in his career, Malik said: "Cricket is my passion. My father always wanted me to play cricket. Even though he is not there anymore (he died in 2006) but I play cricket because it's my passion. That's what is asking me to go and train. I think even when I leave cricket, I will be seeing myself in the gym every day."

Malik also spread the message of staying healthy and goodwill during a visit to Thumbay Hospital, Dubai on Saturday, where he toured the facility and greeted fans.

"It's (training) very important even when you are not an athlete. Even for a normal person this should be your routine in life. Train every day. Whatever you could do, you should do. If you cant run, then walk. If you can't go to the gym, take a dip in the pool," said Malik who attended the event despite having played a match the previous night.

"What I have seen (hospital) it's beautifull. Even the people from this hospital they are very sweet. I'm very honoured that I'm here and sitting with these guys and I've met lot of people. I tried to share happiness with them and I think this is what is giving me satisfaction. Now I think this is worth getting up early and being here," said Malik.

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