Malik to play for Gloucestershire

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