Abdul Razzaq, one of the finest all-rounders to don the Pakistan Jersey on Thursday (June 1), announced his retirement from international cricket.
The 37-year-old, who made his debut in 1996 in an ODI against Zimbabwe, last played an international game in 2013 during a T20I game against South Africa while his last ODI appearance had come way back in 2011.
On the other hand, his last Test appearance had come in 2006. But despite not being in the scheme of things, the veteran was garnering hopes of donning the national team jersey once again. But with chances looking next to impossible, Razzaq has called time on his illustrious career.
“A time comes when every player has to retire and I think this is the right time for me to do so. I have been out of cricket for the past three to four years, so it is really difficult to make a comeback now,” said Razzaq while talking to the Express Tribune.
He further expressed his regret over not working hard after losing his place in the team.
“When I was axed from the team, I shouldn’t have given up. If I hadn’t given up and had continued to work hard, I might have earned my place back, but I was so tired of all the internal politics,” he regretted.
However, Razzaq will continue to play first-class cricket. He has signed for Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited cricket team (SNGPL) and will continue to compete in the domestic One Day and T20 tournaments as well.
“I have recently signed with SNGPL, while I will also compete in domestic one-day and T20 tournaments,” said Razzaq. “I am an assistant coach in the PSL so I don’t think I can play there.”
Speaking about his post-retirement plans, the all-rounder said that he is open to mentor the youngsters if the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wants his service.
“Young players need a dedicated coach to learn the skills required to be an all-rounder. Senior players who are already part of the team don’t need coaching; they just need assistance and motivation but those at the start of their career need more careful guidance. I am always happy to share my experience with the future of Pakistan cricket, and I am available if the PCB wants my services,” said Razzaq who is also a part of the Quetta Gladiators coaching staff in the Pakistan Super League.
Razzaq is also garnering hoping of bowing out of the game on a good note by playing a farewell game alongside his former teammates. Recently, Pakistan’s stalwarts Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan retired from the game while Shahid Afridi had also brought down curtains on his career earlier this year.
“Every cricketer who has served the national team for so long wishes to retire on a high and to have a good farewell. So if the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) thinks I should get a farewell, then I’ll be happy to play that match,” said Razzaq.
He also said that the announcement is a mere formality.
“Shahid Afridi, Misbah, Younus and Muhammad Yousuf — all the players who I used to play with back in the day — have retired. The announcement is merely a formality. The main thing is coming to terms with the reality that your time in international cricket has ended,” he said.
Razzaq played 46 Tests and 265 ODI matches and scored 1946 and 5080 runs, respectively in the two formats of the game. He also picked up 100 Tests wickets and 269 ODI wickets. The ace all-rounder also represented the Men in Green in 32 T20I, scoring 393 runs and taking 20 wickets in total.