Mohammad Hafeez Will Retire From International Cricket After T20 World Cup 2020
Jan 18, 2020 at 9:43 AM
On Friday (17th January), the 39-year-old Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez has announced to retire from international cricket after the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2020.
Mohammad Hafeez made his international debut in 2003. He is the right-handed batsman and right-arm offbreak bowler. In his almost 17-year-long international career, he has faced many ins and outs due to many reasons. While he was the former no.1-ranked ODI and T20I all-rounder as well as ODI bowler, he has also been suspended from bowling for multiple times due to illegal bowling action. However, nothing can stop him as he has always returned to the national team.
In December 2018, Mohammad Hafeez retired from Test cricket to focus on limited-overs cricket. But he hasn’t achieved to manage success in this mission as he struggled in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
On last Thursday (16th January), Mohammad Hafeez has made a fresh return to the national side for the upcoming home T20I series against Bangladesh. On the very next day, he has announced his retirement plan as he will say goodbye to international cricket after the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2020. Australia will host this T20 WC between 18th October and 15th November 2020.
Hafeez said in a press conference, “It has been a privilege. I want to play the Twenty20 World Cup and then exit from Pakistan’s international team.”
I am satisfied with my performance at the moment – Mohammad Hafeez
Mohammad Hafeez is now focusing on the forthcoming home T20I series against Bangladesh. The senior Pakistan cricketer is desperate to prove this selection.
He added, “I will try to prove the selection committee’s decision right regarding my comeback in the team by performing against Bangladesh. Winning always motivates the captain and the players.
“I am satisfied with my performance at the moment. I have been playing for Pakistan as a batsman for 17 years and am ready for another bowling test. I am planning to work with the youngsters.”
Mohammad Hafeez has played 55 Tests, 218 ODIs and 89 T20Is where the right-handed batsman has scored 3,652 runs (average 37.64), 6,614 runs (average 32.90) and 1,908 runs (average 24.46) respectively. Also, as an off-spinner, he has picked up 53 Test, 139 ODI and 54 T20I wickets. Hafeez has also led the national team in 32 international matches – 29 T20Is, two ODIs and only Test.