Professor shows real class in retirement decision

Mohammad Hafeez says he always tried to keep flag high and was proud of what he had done throughout his career

Muhammad Hafeez has finally bid farewell to all formats of International cricket. The professor who has led the nation in all three formats announced his decision in a press conference in Lahore.

“Eighteen years ago I started this beautiful journey of representing the team Pakistan that has finally come to an end and I would like to like to thank all my colleagues, family, and friends,” he said.

He said that he had always tried to keep the flag high and was stepping down on a good note and that he was extremely proud of what he’d done throughout his career.

Hafeez thanked his coaches and colleagues while bidding farewell to the international cricket. “I am grateful to the coaches of the National Cricket Academy because it was they who harnessed me to become a better player,” he said.

“I am extremely thankful to my fans who have always cherished my success and have backed me up in my bad times,” he added.

Talking about his post-retirement plans, he said, “I decided to retire at this moment because I thought it was the right time. I am physically fit and would continue playing in the leagues around the world.”

“I am not thinking ahead and have not thought about the future because now I want to spend some time with my family,” he remarked. Hafeez proudly said that representing Pakistan was the biggest high of his life and that has given him the most happiness.

Talking about the lows during his career, the professor said, “The moment I took a stance against the players who were involved in match-fixing, I was told by the then chairman of PCB to either keep playing or give up this thought because they will play either way. It was the saddest moment in my cricketing career.”

The most important stage of my career was my tenure with the department i.e. SNGPL. It was the time I needed the most support in my career both financially and opportunity-wise. In my view, departmental cricket should be integrated into the domestic cricketing system of Pakistan.

Over the course of his 18-year career, the all-rounder scored 12,789 runs and claimed 253 wickets while playing in 392 international matches for Pakistan. He also represented his country in 55 Tests, 218 ODIs, and 119 T20Is, including three ICC ODI world cups and six T20 world cups. Hafeez, who is currently 41 years old, made his international debut against Zimbabwe in Sharjah in April 2003. On August 20 of the same year, he made his Test debut against Bangladesh in Karachi.

In the ICC Player Rankings, Hafeez achieved the highest Test rankings of 22nd in batting, 29th in bowling and fifth in all-rounders. In the ODI rankings, Hafeez’s highest ranking was 13th in March 2014, while he topped the bowling and all-rounder charts in August 2012 and 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, and number-one in all-rounders in March 2014.

Commenting on Hafeez’s retirement, PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja said, “Hafeez has been a wholehearted cricketer who worked tirelessly at his game to have a long and fruitful career.”

Raja added, “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 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 and thank him again for his magnificent contribution to Pakistan cricket,” Raja said.