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"I want to play the T20 World Cup and then exit international cricket" : Mohammad Hafeez

Abdullah719

T20I Captain
Joined
Apr 16, 2013
Runs
44,825
Mohammad Hafeez at a press conference today:

It's not a surprise for me, I am always available for the team. I'm happy and excited to be a part of the team again after not being selected in the last two tours.

I'll try my best to add value in the team setup. The youngsters are more than the seniors so it'll be great for us to share our experiences with them and let them express themselves and perform well for Pakistan over a long period of time.

I will miss bowling, I am ready to retest my bowling action and I am waiting for that, hopefully it will be done very soon. I have represented Pakistan as a batsman for 17 years, bowling is an additional ability that has helped me and the team but I have always thought and played as a batsman, my services for Pakistan are as a batsman and I want to contribute for Pakistan as a batsman now.

My personal plan is I want to play for Pakistan on the basis of performance and fitness. I want to play the T20 World Cup and then exit international cricket, that's my plan and let's see how it goes. Playing for Pakistan is always an honour and it's exciting to represent your country. I am looking forward to another opportunity to add value to the team in my humble capacity. I wish to perform well in the T20 World Cup and leave international cricket on a positive note.

I don't stay in fear as a sportsman, I stay positive. You have to deal with different scenarios, I always have positive energy. I have no negative thoughts. As a professional, you need to perform so I am excited as a player to represent Pakistan.

Lahore Qalandars are a franchise and they know better about who to give captaincy to, I am happy that they have given players promotions from their PDP. The most important thing for me is to do well for the team and play my role in victories, that's more important than anything else.

My career for Pakistan and stats are in front of everyone. In the last 2 T20 series, I had the most runs for Pakistan, I was man of the series and man of the match. Unfortunately due to some scenario, I wasn't selected but I am positive and I will try to win matches for Pakistan.

We are deprived of home cricket since many years so it's a source of happiness for me that I will get to play in Pakistan and in Lahore.

I have a role to play, my own performance which should win matches and then grooming the youngsters in the team by sharing experiences, so that they can serve Pakistan for a long time in future.

I would like to welcome the BD team and I am hopeful that fans of cricket visit Pakistan and turn up in numbers for matches. Wins are important for any team's captain to gain confidence, Babar is our new captain and he's a fantastic player and person. I hope he does well for Pakistan for a long time. Now the focus on us is to do well for the team to win matches to help the Pakistan build confidence.

I don't interfere in other people's domains but if I am asked for my opinion or needed, I am always available.

I don't know why you say I couldn't fulfil expectations (in the World Cup). I was the third highest scorer for Pakistan, we won 5 matches and I was man of the match in one. We were eliminated not due to bad performances, it was due to NRR.
 
Apart from being his usual arrogant self, it is true that Hafeez looks a different batsman when he plays his shots instead of trying to preserve his wicket.

I would play at him 5 and ask him to go after the bowling from ball one.
 
I don't know why you say I couldn't fulfil expectations (in the World Cup). I was the third highest scorer for Pakistan, we won 5 matches and I was man of the match in one.

250 runs at an average of 31, one good performance and failures in other matches.

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Apart from being his usual arrogant self, it is true that Hafeez looks a different batsman when he plays his shots instead of trying to preserve his wicket.

I would play at him 5 and ask him to go after the bowling from ball one.

I am guessing it will be Hafeez, Rizwan, Malik from 3-5.
 
If Pak are serious about competing for the WC, then this guy will never be selected!!

However, misbah will consider it as a farewell tournament, the same way he treated the 2015 WC.
 
Hafeez's record in 5 T20 World Cups:

24 matches
426 runs (average 20, strike-rate 105), 1 fifty (vs Bangladesh)
13 wickets (average 35, economy 7.5)
 
well i would have thought if he cant bowl then he is useless might have considered him in team if he could bowl but surely not now!
 
Depressing selection. There is another World T20 next year so he will be around until then at least.
 
If Pak are serious about competing for the WC, then this guy will never be selected!!

However, misbah will consider it as a farewell tournament, the same way he treated the 2015 WC.
I am hoping both veterans will fail in England and will be out from world cup squad
 
WC T20 is not a farewell party in which Hafeez has to be included even he does not deserve a place in the team on merit.
 
I really dont understand why Hafeez is allowed to do press conferences - PCB need to take a hold of this whole thing - need to tell players to keep their plans to themselves etc or announce them properly.
 
He averaged 50 with SR of 134 in 2018 and played a decent role for the team. If he can replicate that in year 2020 then I dont see much problem with this. In the mean time I am hoping Khushdil gets the opportunities as well because he has earned it.
 
Did he mention which T20 WC he’s planning to play till before he retires, 2024? 2028? Or 2032 maybe?

Or is he waiting for Majid Khan to retire as a Pakistan cricket fan first.
 
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Top player in T20s.

Averaging over 50 in recent form. [MENTION=133760]Abdullah719[/MENTION] brother, no point sharing stats from the last century. He's our best T20 batsman since 2018.

Can play pace very well and will be helpful with his all-around shot making ability in Aus against mostly the pace bowlers. Can take apart spinners too.

Malik is an awful selection though and if he's at the world T20, all blame on Misbah.
 
Apart from being his usual arrogant self, it is true that Hafeez looks a different batsman when he plays his shots instead of trying to preserve his wicket.

I would play at him 5 and ask him to go after the bowling from ball one.

Yep.

Hope he plays with full authority, a joy to watch when he's playing freely because he has supreme timing.

Has 360 degrees shot making ability and doesn't get bogged down. Will be vital for our Wt20 success.
 
Top player in T20s.

Averaging over 50 in recent form. [MENTION=133760]Abdullah719[/MENTION] brother, no point sharing stats from the last century. He's our best T20 batsman since 2018.

Can play pace very well and will be helpful with his all-around shot making ability in Aus against mostly the pace bowlers. Can take apart spinners too.

Malik is an awful selection though and if he's at the world T20, all blame on Misbah.

You keep repeating the fact that he can 'play pace' but conveniently ignore that he's a bottler. He turns up once in a blue moon when the pressure is on, fails more often than not. Got out in the most pathetic ways to part-timers in the World Cup. That he was satisfied with his WC performances where he averaged 31 and had one performance of note sums it up.

A couple of series where he did well doesn't negate the evidence we have from a career spanning almost two decades. Only in Pakistan will you see such mediocre players glorified after years of having achieved nothing. Malik is in the same boat. Kamran Akmal too.
 
After recent ban on his bowling, no T20 team is now going to give Hafeez a contract, but here came his best friend to rescue of now jobless and old Hafeez and let him play for Pakistan, Misbah's personal team.
 
After recent ban on his bowling, no T20 team is now going to give Hafeez a contract, but here came his best friend to rescue of now jobless and old Hafeez and let him play for Pakistan, Misbah's personal team.

According to some reports, it was Babar who insisted on the selection of Hafeez and Malik... Disclaimer - not sure if that's accurate.
 
Oh dear. For 99.9% of players a farewell match is way over the top. In this case 'Blessed in all Facets' wants a farewell tournament.
 
Nice excuse to prolong his pathetic career, following the Shoaib Malik strategy to declare retirement one year before and not to allow any questioning of their performance. These people have outside connections, parasites destroyed the merit culture and popularity amongst cricket fans.
No stars for youth to look upto thanks to these leeches. PCB than begs for attendance and interest from Pakistani public. No one wants to watch them.

Cricket is non existent in the streets around me. Kids prefer cycling and mobile phones, some prefer gyms. We are witnessing a generational backlash where ricket isolation, Hafeezs, Maliks and inzamams havue left us with the inevitable of cricket going the hockey way with the more quicker downfall.
 
People talking about his average of 50 in recent T20 series it was in the UAE and they were bilateral series in which Australia and New Zealand were under strength.

Hafeez may end up doing well in the Bangladesh series but on thing for sure he is a certified choker on the big stage.
His stats over the 4 T20 world cups have already been posted. 1 50 in 20 odd matches at an average of 20. When he says his stats are there for everyone to see, I wish some reporter in these press conference actually brings this up and tells him how mediocre he really is.

He was selected on the basis of his experience for the World cup 2019. He averaged 31 and he is happy with that. Just shows how selfish he really is.
 
We are planning to sacrificing our T20 WC campaign to give farewell to a very average player, banned 5 time for chucking.
 
He is not allowed to bowl.

He can't bat outside the subcontient.

He is not the greatest fielder by any means either.

He is a politician involved in groupings within the dressing room.

Why are we waiting for the WT20 instead of kicking him out forever ?
 
Lahore - Recalled Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez on Friday said he will retire from international cricket after the Twenty20 World Cup later this year, vowing to end his career on a positive note.

The 38-year-old was on Thursday recalled to Pakistan's Twenty20 series against Bangladesh starting in Lahore from January 24.

Hafeez has been one of Pakistan's key players - in all three formats, as a top order batsman and a handy off-spinner - since making his debut during an England tour in 2003.

But his career was dogged by questions over the legality of his bowling action, reported on three occasions during international matches. He was also banned from bowling for 12 months in 2015.

Hafeez, dubbed the "professor" for his knowledge of the game, said he enjoyed playing for Pakistan.

"It has been a privilege," he told media.

"I want to play the Twenty20 World Cup and then exit from Pakistan's international team."

Hafeez retired from Tests in December 2018 after playing 55 Tests. He was more successful in limited over formats, scoring 6 614 runs and took 139 wickets in 218 one-day internationals.

His last ODI was during the World Cup (50 overs) in England last year, and he has not been selected for that format since then.

His tally in 89 Twenty20 internationals stands at 54 wickets and 1,908 runs.

"I have played 17 years for Pakistan and tried my level best. At times I missed my bowling," said Hafeez, who also captained Pakistan in 29 Twenty20 internationals, winning 17 and losing 11 with one ending in a tie.

The Twenty20 World Cup will be held in Australia in October-November this year.

https://www.sport24.co.za/Cricket/pakistans-hafeez-to-retire-after-twenty20-world-cup-20200117
 
He can definitely be a spectator and watch the upcoming World T20, and then retire in peace:D
 
I think Hafeez should use this series against BD in Pakistan as a farewell series, and if he gets selected in the playing XI, he should aim to perform at his best abilities and retire in front of an applauding crowd, while still on top of his game and crowd wanting more of him. He could continue playing in PSL and other leagues for money. He is doing what Dhoni has done and no one likes that.
 
The selection of hafeez and malik just goes to show exactly what is wrong with pakistan selections and cricket

There are deserving players slogging their guts out on the domestic circuit who dont get a look in whilst these 2 40 yr olds continue year after year to get a free ride based on seniority

Absolutely sorry state of affairs
 
Sums up Hafeez’s mentality when he is satisfied with his WC performances when he only showed up against England and cheaply threw his wicket numerous times.

The guy couldn’t clear part timers in the WC.

What is frustrating is that he will most likely feast on a weak BD at home.
 
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Hafeez should be in the team till the world Cup but we should definitely consider parting ways with Malik who can only play spinners on his good day. He is completely useless against any type of pace bowling, doesn't have the shots to counter pace bowling at all.
 
You keep repeating the fact that he can 'play pace' but conveniently ignore that he's a bottler. He turns up once in a blue moon when the pressure is on, fails more often than not. Got out in the most pathetic ways to part-timers in the World Cup. That he was satisfied with his WC performances where he averaged 31 and had one performance of note sums it up.

A couple of series where he did well doesn't negate the evidence we have from a career spanning almost two decades. Only in Pakistan will you see such mediocre players glorified after years of having achieved nothing. Malik is in the same boat. Kamran Akmal too.

Talking about subjective stuff are we.

Let's talk about T20s. Isn't he our best T20 batsman since 2018? Or at least top 2?

On merit he deserves to be there, and on ability too - he has it, can strike and time the ball better than all the others we've tried like Husain, Rizwan, Sarfraz, Asif, you name it.

So when he's better, and has a stellar recent record, why not utilize his services? Of course if he's still in form, which we'll get to know.

Kami is topping domestic charts, under the new domestic system, and deserves a chance because the new system is meant to judge in form players for the national team.

Who else is the better opener? Imam? Fakhar? Shehzad?

Nope. Kami is better than them all, both on ability and on form. Do you disagree?
 
Hafeez should be in the team till the world Cup but we should definitely consider parting ways with Malik who can only play spinners on his good day. He is completely useless against any type of pace bowling, doesn't have the shots to counter pace bowling at all.

Yep. Spot on. Malik is a disgrace.

I hope Misbah overrules Babar Azam starting next series and drops Malik.
 
Talking about subjective stuff are we.

Let's talk about T20s. Isn't he our best T20 batsman since 2018? Or at least top 2?

On merit he deserves to be there, and on ability too - he has it, can strike and time the ball better than all the others we've tried like Husain, Rizwan, Sarfraz, Asif, you name it.

So when he's better, and has a stellar recent record, why not utilize his services? Of course if he's still in form, which we'll get to know.

Kami is topping domestic charts, under the new domestic system, and deserves a chance because the new system is meant to judge in form players for the national team.

Who else is the better opener? Imam? Fakhar? Shehzad?

Nope. Kami is better than them all, both on ability and on form. Do you disagree?

What do you expect from Hafeez in the T20 World Cup?

This is a guy who threw away his wicket against part-timers repeatedly in the 2019 World Cup, played one innings of note and is now indignant if anyone says he didn't live up to expectations when he made 250 runs at an average of 31.

Regarding Kami, I am supportive of Misbah's decision (I am sure you will be also :salute) to see what the likes of Ahsan Ali can offer to the team.
 
What do you expect from Hafeez in the T20 World Cup?

This is a guy who threw away his wicket against part-timers repeatedly in the 2019 World Cup, played one innings of note and is now indignant if anyone says he didn't live up to expectations when he made 250 runs at an average of 31.

Regarding Kami, I am supportive of Misbah's decision (I am sure you will be also :salute) to see what the likes of Ahsan Ali can offer to the team.

He can offer us what others don't. At least he's better than others like Asif. Isn't he? Or who do you propose as a replacement we can count on to take apart the pacers and spinners alike on his good day?

Ahsan deserves his chance, but Kami deserves one too as the 2nd opener. Or maybe one down.
 
He can offer us what others don't.

ODI World Cups:

18 matches
483 runs (average 28, 2 fifties)
13 wickets (average 34)

T20 World Cups:

24 matches
426 runs (average 20, strike-rate 105, 1 fifty)
13 wickets (average 35)

He has played eight World Cups now and has done zilch of note. That is all I need to know.

We'll agree to disagree here.
 
He averaged 50 with SR of 134 in 2018 and played a decent role for the team. If he can replicate that in year 2020 then I dont see much problem with this. In the mean time I am hoping Khushdil gets the opportunities as well because he has earned it.

I have no idea why such a quality poster as you is advocating for these TTFs last few days.
 
Seems like a keep a friend happy gesture in letting him play till the T20 World Cup.
 
Why only Hafeez, lets include Afridi and Razaq also and keep them in team till WC, to give them a proper farewell.
 
Well, on the bright side, he can't do worse than Imam, Fakhar, Haris, and Rizwan even if he tried.
 
Malik and Hafeez's inclusion in the world cup was the final nail in Inzi's career. Guess Misbah will like to go out the same way.
 
It makes we wonder why Afridi even retired from with these two half hearted cricketers still in the team.

Man do I Miss Lala
 
He can definitely be a spectator and watch the upcoming World T20, and then retire in peace:D

This guy has no shame. Now that his friend Misbah is coach and selector, don't be surprised if he comes out of test retirement. He had to be begged by the management to retire from that.
 
I have no idea why such a quality poster as you is advocating for these TTFs last few days.

I am just disappointed with the other options we have in the middle order and its definitely a shame we have to go back to TTFs. I am not advocating them, just accepting the reality of lack of options as of now which I am hoping will improve soon so that we dont need to look towards 38 and 39 year olds.
 
Malik and Hafeez's inclusion in the world cup was the final nail in Inzi's career. Guess Misbah will like to go out the same way.

He'll be hoping that all the blame and backlash will be heaped on Hafeez/Malik so that he can make his own escape and continue his work of completely destroying Pakistan cricket.
 
Misbah puts Sarfraz to shame when it comes to playing friends. It is literally true friends XI now. What’s next return of Saeed Ajmal
 
Very clever professor. He is promising to retire so he doesn't get dropped before the world cup. Like I promised my trainer to quit biryani at year end in August itself to keep him from nagging me till then.
 
ODI World Cups:

18 matches
483 runs (average 28, 2 fifties)
13 wickets (average 34)

T20 World Cups:

24 matches
426 runs (average 20, strike-rate 105, 1 fifty)
13 wickets (average 35)

He has played eight World Cups now and has done zilch of note. That is all I need to know.

We'll agree to disagree here.

This sums up both Malik and Hafeez. Mediocre players who struggle on the big stage. How is Hafeez continuously selected when all that is his " experience " brings to the team is mediocrity when it matters. If I was ever a journalist I would definitely ask these questions to the selectors and Hafeez, and show them these stats.

They both should have retired by now.
 
Pakistan recalled the experience pair of Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez for the three Bangladesh T20Is, which begin on Friday, to strengthen the side and provide depth in the batting department.

The two share 200 T20Is between them and are eager to impart their knowledge of international cricket to the youngsters, besides helping Babar Azam, the Pakistan captain, in executing his on-field plans effectively.

On the sidelines of a warm-up match at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium, which hosts the three-T20Is on 24, 25 and 27 January, Hafeez and Malik, who last played for Pakistan in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019, had a conversation on how they looked to make the most of their returns in the Pakistan camp.

Mohammad Hafeez said: “The best you can do for the next generation of cricketers is to share your experience and that cannot be done with words but with actions. We have learned from our seniors on how to be successful in your cricketing career.

“It is an added role for us that we have to groom these young cricketers in the side and prepare them for the next 10-12 years.

“There is a pressure of captaincy which you and I have faced in our careers and we can take this off from Babar by putting up performances which can lead Pakistan to victories. We can back his plans and help him in their better execution on the field.

“It is an honour for me to wear the Pakistan cap. I am eager to wear the Pakistan kit and win matches for my country at this beautiful venue. I still remember the day when I made my international debut and I still have the same intensity in me. For me, this is not a comeback. I am looking forward to the challenge.”

Shoaib Malik said: “As a professional cricketer, you want to give your best shot whether you are playing club, league or international cricket. This doesn’t feel like a comeback because in my previous comebacks there have been more lengthy gaps as compared to this one. It is a wonderful feeling to be donning your country’s colours which cannot be described in words. There is certainly no comparison for it.

“Our inclusion will help the youngsters and our captain as we bring in the experience which we can share with them.

“Age is just a number and it should not be a metric to judge a player rather a player should be judged on the criteria set by the board and the management in regard to his on-field performances. Senior players bring in the experience, which they share with the youngsters and make the system stronger.”

The first ball of the first T20I is scheduled to be bowled at 2pm.

Upcoming fixtures:

1st T20I – Friday, 2pm

2nd T20I – Saturday, 2pm
 
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Though I do not support his selection but he is better than both Fakhar and Asif any day of the week.
 
So will the 'old man' show the youngsters how to bat today? (vs Bangladesh 1st T20I)
 
It’s sad to see cricketing icons like Hafeez who have dominated world cricket at their peak with such magnificent batting performances all around the world, look so ordinary as they near the end of their careers.

Just hoping we get to see our legend show glimpses of the great batsman that he well and truly is in the next game hopefully.
 
What a performance today, Hafeez is an amazing player to watch when he is playing his shots. The missing component of our t20 winning combination. I believe Pakistan is now again a force to reckon with in t20 and things will get even better with Amirs return.
 
What a performance today, Hafeez is an amazing player to watch when he is playing his shots. The missing component of our t20 winning combination. I believe Pakistan is now again a force to reckon with in t20 and things will get even better with Amirs return.

Yep.

2nd best PAK batsman in T20s after Babar. Perfect timer of the ball.
 
Had so much potential with the bat. I wished he batted in the middle order.

We saw Hafeez take on Bumrah and Bhuvi in CT17 final. That's the Hafeez that the world wanted to see more.
 
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Hafeez with his batting and more than handy off spin is indispensable to Pakistan’s t20 World Cup chances.
Hafeez with just his batting is a very useful middle order batsman for t20 World Cup.

With so many useless players in the squad who have yet to make their mark in any significant manner it’s good to have hafeez around. He’s a genuine world class limited over player.
 
To build a team (at least in Pakistan) you always need a combination of senior and younger players. You cannot expect youngsters to take the team forward on their own. It has not worked in the past for pakistan cricket and as seen recently hasn't worked this time.
 
On merit he walks into current Pak line up. Second best match winner in the team after Malik in the shortest format of the game.
 
On merit he walks into current Pak line up. Second best match winner in the team after Malik in the shortest format of the game.

Malik will struggle against quality Pacers. I don't expect him to do much in the world Cup.
 
Malik will struggle against quality Pacers. I don't expect him to do much in the world Cup.

He may not be overflowing with talent but an extremely smart operator in the field. Will find a way to keep the score ticking against pacers while going big against the spinners. I don't speak for others but as an Indian fan I am never comfortable as long as Malik is in the crease against us. His shots may not generate aahaa and oohoos but mighty effective.
 
He may not be overflowing with talent but an extremely smart operator in the field. Will find a way to keep the score ticking against pacers while going big against the spinners. I don't speak for others but as an Indian fan I am never comfortable as long as Malik is in the crease against us. His shots may not generate aahaa and oohoos but mighty effective.

Yes, he more than often performs against India but India is not the only team in the world Cup.
 
A 50 years old dude performing against the best team in world, what else do you expect? He he
India should be worried about Amir, Hafeez and Babar. These players can turn the game on its head and won't be surprised if they surprise India in the world Cup.
 
A 50 years old dude performing against the best team in world, what else do you expect? He he

Hafeez is the one who absolutely thrashed Bumrah BHuvi etc. in the CT final.

He has an excellent range of shots, can decimate any bowler.
 
This BD side is complete garbage and much worse than expected.

hafeez will be tested much more in the PSL and he will most likely fail there.
 
India should be worried about Amir, Hafeez and Babar. These players can turn the game on its head and won't be surprised if they surprise India in the world Cup.

I honestly don't think Amir would be effective in Aus, Babar will play a couple of pretty boy cover drives and get out without impacting the game. Hafeez and Malik are genuine threats though.
 
Hafeez is the one who absolutely thrashed Bumrah BHuvi etc. in the CT final.

He has an excellent range of shots, can decimate any bowler.

Fakar also bashed our trundlers. He too deserves a chance to make his case for WC.
 
Hafeez is the one who absolutely thrashed Bumrah BHuvi etc. in the CT final.

He has an excellent range of shots, can decimate any bowler.

Not doubting Hafeez at all, although Bumrah had an off day and I highly doubt Hafeez could replicate that innings still Hafeez is the danger man without a doubt. I highly rate his CT innings BTW.
 
I find all this “big talk” about Hafeez very depressing .
He does wonders in bilaterals when the pressure is less . But the way some people are talking it’s like all of a sudden he is a world beater after today’s knock .

His career average is 25 and what’s worse his average in T20 world cups after playing about 25 matches is 20! SR of 105.

Hafeez is mediocre as they come unfortunately. Nothing against the guy , but by harbouring ambition to play in another World Cup when he has played and failed in so many previously is just merely being selfish.

I rate him for his CT final knock but Pakistan are doing them selves no favours by continuously going back to Hafeez .

I don’t have an issue with his age . It’s more the fact that he is a proven failure on the big stage .
 
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