LAHORE: Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has decided to retire from international cricket after an illustrious career spanning over 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 offspinner 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 represented Pakistan in 392 international matches scoring 12,789 runs and took 253 wickets. He played 55 Tests, 218 ODIs and 119 T20Is for the country including three ICC ODI world cups and six T20 world cups.
He had initially announced that the 2020 T20 World Cup would be his final assignment for Pakistan. However, the tournament was pushed to 2021 because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and Hafeez ended up extending his time with the Pakistan team as a result.
He is the only Pakistan player to have played in all but one T20 World Cup – the one Pakistan ended up winning in 2009 – and holds the Pakistan record for most T20 World Cup appearances. His overall T20I record as captain stands at 18 wins and 11 losses from 29 matches.
‘Long and fruitful career’
Addressing a press conference, Hafeez said he has bid “goodbye to international cricket with pride and satisfaction.” He said he has earned and accomplished more than he had initially envisaged and is thankful to fellow cricketers, captains, support staff and the Pakistan Cricket Board.
“I am extremely fortunate, lucky and proud to have been considered worthy of donning the national kit with Pakistan emblem for 18 years. My country and my team have always been at my forefront and therefore, every time I stepped on to the field, I tried to raise their profile and image by playing hard and tough but within the rich traditions of spirit of cricket,” he said.
“When you have a professional career as long as mine, you’re bound to have your share of highs and lows, and I was no different. Results apart, I can say with conviction that I had more highs as I had the privilege of playing with and against some of the finest exponents of the bat and the ball of my era.
“While cricket has been a great learning school for me, this great sport has provided me opportunities to visit various countries, explore their cultures and make friends. These are lifelong memories, which I will cherish every day. I want to thank my fans and supporters for believing in my abilities and backing me throughout my career.”
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.”
