Veteran cricketer Shoaib Malik took a cheeky dig at well-known commentator Ramiz Raja for suggesting that both Malik and Mohammed Hafeez should retire from international cricket. The duo was recalled into the Pakistan T20 side in February. Malik (38) and Hafeez (39) have been vital cogs in the Pakistan line-up for years.
Malik in response said that Ramiz should also join them and that all three should hang up their boots from their respective professions. “Yes, Ramiz bhai agreed. Since all 3 of us are the end of our careers let’s retire gracefully together – I’ll call and let’s plan this for 2022?” Malik tweeted.
Yes @iramizraja bhai agreed. Since all 3 of us are the end of our careers let’s retire gracefully together – I’ll call and let’s plan this for 2022? ? @MHafeez22 #jokes https://t.co/vTwf9zzYOC
— Shoaib Malik ?? (@realshoaibmalik) April 8, 2020
Shoaib Malik, Mohammed Hafeez should retire gracefully: Ramiz Raja
Ramiz had earlier stated that Malik and Hafeez should leave international cricket with respect and gracefully. “I come across both during my assignments; that is why I avoid making personal comments. There is no doubt both have served Pakistan cricket well all these years. But now I think it is time they gracefully retired from the Pakistan team,” he said.
Ramiz, 57, played 57 Tests and 198 ODIs for Pakistan, including the successful 1992 World Cup campaign. “I think if they retire now, it will help Pakistan cricket. We have a good pool of players, and we must move ahead,” he added.
Hafeez had earlier said that he would retire from cricket at the end of the World T20 in Australia. Malik, however, remained tight-lipped about his future. He brought the curtains down on his Test career four years ago. Fans haven’t been amused about the comeback of the duo in the shortest format of the game. Pakistan hasn’t been at their best at ICC events barring the 2017 Champions Trophy, where they beat arch-rivals India to lift the trophy.