LAHORE: Muhammad Hafeez’s retirement from international cricket came as a shock to his colleagues and fans, who took to social media to pay tribute to the Professor.
Hafeez hung up his boots with satisfaction and pride. “I announce to end my 18-years long international career with pride and gratitude and it was honor for me to represent Pakistan,” the veteran cricketer announced on Monday.
My journey of pride representing ???????? came to an end & i m proudly retiring from international cricket with great satisfaction & joy. Thank u all for 18 years of support. Maintaining highest level of pride & dignity always is my most valuable achievement. Pakistan ???????? Zindabad
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) January 3, 2022
‘End of an era’ started trending on Twitter soon after the Professor announced to end his cricket career. Cricketers and fans overwhelmed with the glorious career left behind by the star thronged to Twitter to say farewell to him.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took to social media to thank the cricketer for his trailblazing contributions to Pakistani cricket. “Thank you Hafeez”, it tweeted.
Hafeez announces retirement from international cricket
More details: https://t.co/RYLJ7gp5Ro pic.twitter.com/8PYAfaJlPW— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 3, 2022
National squad captain and skipper Babar Azam said that a memorable cricket career had come to an end. He said that during his time with Mohammad Hafeez, he has learned much from him and his experiences.
A memorable career comes to an end. I have learnt a lot from @mhafeez22 bhai and his experiences. Thank you for your guidance along the time we shared on the field. Happy retirement, professor! ???? pic.twitter.com/5pF34pPW9J
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) January 3, 2022
“Farewell [Muhammad Hafeez] from international cricket. Congratulations on an amazing career. Wishing you the very best of luck in this new chapter of your life. Stay blessed,” all-rounder Shadab Khan wrote on Twitter.
Farewell @MHafeez22 bhai from international cricket. Congratulations on an amazing career. Wishing you the very best of luck in this new chapter of your life. Stay blessed. pic.twitter.com/UjheXq1tj3
— Shadab Khan (@76Shadabkhan) January 3, 2022
Meanwhile, former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn also heaped praise on Mohammad Hafeez. Taking to Twitter, Steyn congratulated Hafeez on “a wonderful international career”.
Many a great battle with this man, end of the day, we had the best time and memories we can enjoy forever!
Congratulations on a wonderful international career!
Inspired your nation and played the game the right way, well done ???? @MHafeez22 pic.twitter.com/dJ9zyjcVYT— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) January 3, 2022
Fast bowler Wahab Riaz congratulated The Professor on an amazing career and his services to Pakistan cricket and wished him the best in future.
Congratulations on an amazing career and for all your services for Pakistan cricket, lots of great memories. Prayers and best wishes for the future. Happy retirement Professor @MHafeez22 ???????? pic.twitter.com/ipKdJdmNOq
— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) January 3, 2022
