Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has decided to retire from international cricket after a “satisfying” career but will continue to play in the Pakistan Super League & other leagues.
The veteran cricketer announced his decision in a press conference at the PCB headquarters in Lahore.
Speaking on the occasion, Hafeez thanked PCB, its coaches, officials and, the team & fans for their support & love for him.
Responding to a question about his future plan, the former Test captain said that he will continue to play the PSL & other cricket leagues.
“I am satisfied with my career. I played for Pakistan. I didn’t want to earn money. I have no regrets of any kind,” he added.
When asked, whether the situation in PCB [change in management] was the reason behind his retirement, Hafeez replied that playing for Pakistan is a pride for him, adding that he decided to retire from international cricket by himself.
“I could have played the next World Cup as well but I decided to retire myself.”
He maintained that If any success is attained by the national team in the future, it will be his as well.
Responding to another question about his farewell, he said that neither he needs a farewell, nor has he asked for it.
Mohammad Hafeez’s career
The right-handed batter represented Pakistan in 392 international matches, scoring 12,780 runs & taking 253 wickets, besides also captaining the side in 32 international matches.
He was a member of the Pakistan side that won the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 in England & Wales.
Overall, Hafeez played in three 50-over World Cups (2007, 2011 & 2019), six 20-over World Cups (2007, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016 & 2021) & three ICC Champions Trophies (2006, 2013 & 2017).
In the ICC Player Rankings, Hafeez achieved the highest Test rankings of 22nd in batting, 29th in bowling & fifth in all-rounders.
In the ODI rankings, Hafeez’s highest ranking was 13th in March 2014, while he topped the bowling & all-rounder charts in August 2012 & January 2013, respectively.
Hafeez’s rankings in T20I were equally impressive, peaking to ninth in batting in February 2007, third in bowling in August 2013 & number-one in all-rounders in March 2014.
‘Wholehearted cricketer’
Commenting on his retirement, PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja said Hafeez has been a wholehearted cricketer who worked tirelessly at his game to have a long & fruitful career.
He said that Hafeez’s game evolved with time, adjusting to different formats quite intelligently.
“Later in his career, he became a T20 specialist, where he was never out of touch with the modern demands of this testing format. His batsmanship took a sprightly turn, nailing sixes almost at will.
“He has worn the green blazer with pride for which we at the PCB are thankful. I wish him the best of luck for his future life & thank him again for his magnificent contribution to Pakistan cricket.”
