ISLAMABAD, Dec 1: Pakistani all-rounder Shoaib Malik will appear again for Gloucestershire in the 2004 season. The 21 year-old utility player played for the country last season.

Gloucestershire’s newly-appointed player/coach Mark Alleyne said:

“Shoaib did very well for us last year in the short time he was with us and fitted in very well.

He is a gifted all-rounder who is worthy of a place in either discipline and as a 21-year-old, he can only get better.

He is an exciting, quality player who has much to offer the team and I am really pleased at having him in my squad”, said Alleyne, according to reports available here on Monday.

Shoaib himself said: “I am really excited to have the opportunity to return and play for Gloucestershire again as everybody was very welcoming and professional.”—APP