Cape Town: A lot of people within the media, the fans and even cricketers make a mistake of dismissing Shoaib Malik as yet player upon whom Pakistan captaincy has been thrust upon.

Take it from us, this young man is nobody's fool, and he doesn't tolerate stupidity either. In fact, he is as clever as they come. His repartee with journalists often leaves them not just dumbfounded but also searching for words.

Twenty five-year-old Malik reveals a maturity of a 35-year-old, and he never, ever bares his cards. He would have made an ideal poker player. Sample some of the stuff that was thrown at him and his answers:

Q: Shoaib, is this tournament a consolation for you after a very disappointing World Cup?

A: World Cup is history and that was not a tsunami or something. We have a very important semi-final tomorrow and you are asking me about World Cup.

Q: Pakistan had beaten New Zealand in the semi-final of the 1992 World Cup. Is that an inspiration for you?

A: Again that was past and it has no bearings here.

Q: Pakistan cricket has been rocked with several scandals in the recent past but here, we are seeing team spirit and unity. What is the reason?

A: But a couple of days ago, I heard you guys saying there was groupism in the team.

Q: There were reports of some players getting drunk… what's their status?

A: Why don't you go and ask the full story from those who told you this in the first place.

Q: Who would you prefer in the final, India or Australia ?

A: I think we have to win our semi-final first.

There you are. That's Shoaib Malik for you. Make your judgement.

Cape Town: A lot of people within the media, the fans and even cricketers make a mistake of dismissing Shoaib Malik as yet player upon whom Pakistan captaincy has been thrust upon.

Take it from us, this young man is nobody's fool, and he doesn't tolerate stupidity either. In fact, he is as clever as they come. His repartee with journalists often leaves them not just dumbfounded but also searching for words.

Twenty five-year-old Malik reveals a maturity of a 35-year-old, and he never, ever bares his cards. He would have made an ideal poker player. Sample some of the stuff that was thrown at him and his answers:

Q: Shoaib, is this tournament a consolation for you after a very disappointing World Cup?

A: World Cup is history and that was not a tsunami or something. We have a very important semi-final tomorrow and you are asking me about World Cup.

Q: Pakistan had beaten New Zealand in the semi-final of the 1992 World Cup. Is that an inspiration for you?

A: Again that was past and it has no bearings here.

Q: Pakistan cricket has been rocked with several scandals in the recent past but here, we are seeing team spirit and unity. What is the reason?

A: But a couple of days ago, I heard you guys saying there was groupism in the team.

Q: There were reports of some players getting drunk… what's their status?

A: Why don't you go and ask the full story from those who told you this in the first place.

Q: Who would you prefer in the final, India or Australia ?

A: I think we have to win our semi-final first.

There you are. That's Shoaib Malik for you. Make your judgement.