LAHORE: Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez (Professor) has decided to retire from international cricket after brilliant 18 years.
Hafeez had announced retirement from Test cricket in 2018 and had led the Pakistan cricket team in all formats. His international debut came in an ODI against Zimbabwe in 2003, with his last match turning out to be Pakistan’s defeat against Australia in the T20 World Cup semi-final last November.
The 41-year-old batter and off-spinner has signed up with Lahore Qalandars for the upcoming edition of the PSL and will continue to be available for franchise cricket around the world.
Hafeez says that the most frustrating moment for me in my 18 years of cricket was when I raised my voice against Fixer that once he sold the country he should not be allowed to play Pakistan again! So I got the answer that they have to play, if you have to play, Then play.
PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja said Hafeez has been a “wholehearted cricketer who worked tirelessly at his game to have a long and fruitful career.”
“His 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 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 best of luck for his future life and thank him again for his magnificent contribution to Pakistan cricket.”
