The Veteran Pakistani all-rounder Mohammed Hafeez has decided to quit international cricket after this year’s World T20 2020 to be played in Australia. Due to Coronavirus pandemic, this year’s T20 tournament could be cancelled or postponed as IPL organising committee is thinking of October- November window.
In a long 14-year career, Hafeez played a total of 55 Test matches (105 innings) and scored 3652 runs with best score of 228. His last Test match was against New Zealand in 2018 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi from 3rd December. After poor performances, Hafeez decided to call off his Test career and Pakistan has been struggling in longest format.
Mohammed Hafeez made his ODI debut for Pakistan against Zimbabwe in 2003 and played 218 ODI matches (216 innings) and scored 6614 runs with best score of 140. He played a key role in helping Pakistan win their maiden Champions Trophy defeating arch-rivals India in the finals.
He also played important role with the ball by taking 139 wickets from 177 matches at an economy of 4.18 runs per over. Hafeez featured against Bangladesh in the World Cup game during 2019 played in England.
He made his T20I debut for Pakistan against England on 28th August 2006. Since then he has played 91 matches (88 innings) and scored 1992 runs with best score of 86. With the ball, Hafeez has taken 67 wickets (91 matches) with economy of 6.59 runs per over.
“After World T20 I have decided I will retire from international cricket and just focus on playing in T20 leagues. It could be coaching, I don’t know when the time comes, I will make up my mind,” Hafeez was quoted as saying by the Times of India.
After the 2019 World Cup, Pakistani selectors did not include in the squad. He made a comeback into the T20I squad in the three-match series against Bangladesh played at home. It was a superb performance by experienced player who showed his class by scoring 17 in the 1st match and then match winning 67 not out in the 2nd match played at Lahore.
Hafeez featured for Lahore Qalandars in the PSL season 5 and scored 217 runs from 10 matches with best score of 98*. After league matches, the tournament was postponed due to coronavirus.
After retirement from international cricket, Hafeez has not made up his mind and said it could be coaching but will decide when the time comes up. His main ambition is to play for Pakistan in World T20 and help the Men in Green to perform well.
