Malik, who has a penchant for impromptu retirements and resignations, said he aimed to focus on his form without the added pressures of captaincy in what he hopes will benefit the Kings’ chances in the knockout stage of the tournament.
He is currently the Kings’ second highest run scorer for the tournament – behind Bopara – but taken just one wicket with the ball.
“I was struggling to focus on my own game, this is the first reason, and I just want to see Karachi Kings winning,” explained Malik at an impromptu press conference.
“I think Ravi is going to take the responsibility for the rest of Karachi’s games and I’m hoping we will still put up a good show tomorrow.”
The 34-year-old, who retired from Test cricket at the close of the third day of the final Test against England in Sharjah last year, made the announcement as the first ball of the first qualifier was being bowled in Dubai on Friday night.
Malik was this week criticised by Bopara for his leadership, the England all-rounder saying that his side did not deserve to qualify from the group stage.
Malik, however, is adamant that he had the full support of the dressing room and stated that he will be firmly behind Bopara and his teammates come Saturday night’s encounter with Islamabad United.
“I will still be supporting my team, my support is always there. I have played cricket like this, my goal is to support and give something to my country and our youngsters.
“Even if I am playing against someone I will go and help that person.”
The winner of the second qualifier between Karachi and Islamabad United will see the winner going on to face __ on Sunday for the chance to meet __ in Tuesday’s final.
Both teams were left adrift of the top two, meaning their route to the inaugural PSL showpiece was all the more difficult with two rounds of qualification.
Islamabad ended up with eight points from their eight group games, while Karachi qualified with just four points to their name.
The Kings will be hoping to end a run of three consecutive defeats that almost saw them finish last were it not for Lahore Qalandars’ inferior net run-rate.
During that time, the Kings suffered defeat at the hands of Islamabad, who have emerged victorious from both previous encounters thus far and will be overwhelming favourites to advance.
Islamabad have won their last two matches but will be without star Australian all-rounder Shane Watson who earlier this week was ruled out of the remainder of the tournament with an abdominal injury.
Watson is Islamabad’s top-scorer in the tournament to date but they will take solace from their victory over Lahore Qalandars last time out where they successfully chased down 151 to win.
Pakistan veteran Azhar Mahmood was drafted in as a replacement and was unbeaten alongside captain Misbah-ul-Haq to ease concerns over Watson’s absence.
