KhalidRafi
Tape Ball Regular
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2016
- Runs
- 545
Over the last few decades Pakistani cricketers have become notorious for not knowing when it's their time to go. While at other times, the board manages to mistreat them baldy aswell which only makes things worse. Let's take a look at recent retirees.
Waqar, Wasim: Were past their prime at the 2003 WC and clearly overstayed their welcome. Disappointing ends to two stellar careers.
Saqlain Mushtaq: Sort of faded into obscurity after the Multan test. The most disappointing thing though. He was 27. I wasn't watching cricket at the time so you guys can tell me better if he had lost his magic or if making way for Kaneria was the reason for the PCB forgetting him. But nonetheless, another disappointing end to a great career.
Saeed Anwar: This is a really sad one not only because of the personal tragedy he experienced in his life but also because I think he could easily have played for 3-4 more years. But unfortunately there are some things in life you just can't come back from.
Inzamam-ul-Haq: His WC send-off was a really emotional one that got even more emotional and sad because of Pakistan's WC exit and Bob Woolmer's death. But his retirement from test cricket in Lahore is easily one of my least favorite farewells ever. Not only did it feel immensely contrived and forced but he also missed out on Miandad's record and ruined his average of 50.
Mohammad Yousuf: Faded into obscurity. Joined tableegh. Basically, never even got a proper send-off.
Shoaib Akhtar: Didn't even get to play his last match.
Abdul Razzaq: Faded into obscurity after not being selected. Also, did not get a proper send-off.
Shahid Afridi: I view Pakistan's exit from the WT20 in India as Afridi's official farewell assuming he doesn't get a farewell match from the PCB (hopefully not) or comes back one last time again (please NO!). And the expression on his face when he knew Pakistan were going home was enough to say a thousand words.
Misbah, without a doubt had an immensely disappointing run as captain and player after the England tour. But I think, in the grander scheme of things those whitewashes in Australia, New Zealand and the losses against West Indies will be forgotten.
Misbah truly redeemed himself with the bat in this series and what's bigger than signing off as the first Pakistani captain to win a series in the West Indies and in what thrilling, nail-biting fashion.
As for Younis, he averaged 20 with the bat through out the series but the important thing was that he wasn't forced out and didn't have the pressure from the board, the fans and the media that so many Pakistani cricketers in the past have had. He went out on his own terms, which is a real rarity and in the process also got to that all important milestone no Pakistani has ever managed to get before.
Feel free to list any other major Pakistani cricketer from recent memory, you'll see the end was not pretty for them. As for Misbah and Younis, the end couldn't have been more perfect. A new era for Pakistan cricket begins...But #MisYou, we're gonna Miss You.
Waqar, Wasim: Were past their prime at the 2003 WC and clearly overstayed their welcome. Disappointing ends to two stellar careers.
Saqlain Mushtaq: Sort of faded into obscurity after the Multan test. The most disappointing thing though. He was 27. I wasn't watching cricket at the time so you guys can tell me better if he had lost his magic or if making way for Kaneria was the reason for the PCB forgetting him. But nonetheless, another disappointing end to a great career.
Saeed Anwar: This is a really sad one not only because of the personal tragedy he experienced in his life but also because I think he could easily have played for 3-4 more years. But unfortunately there are some things in life you just can't come back from.
Inzamam-ul-Haq: His WC send-off was a really emotional one that got even more emotional and sad because of Pakistan's WC exit and Bob Woolmer's death. But his retirement from test cricket in Lahore is easily one of my least favorite farewells ever. Not only did it feel immensely contrived and forced but he also missed out on Miandad's record and ruined his average of 50.
Mohammad Yousuf: Faded into obscurity. Joined tableegh. Basically, never even got a proper send-off.
Shoaib Akhtar: Didn't even get to play his last match.
Abdul Razzaq: Faded into obscurity after not being selected. Also, did not get a proper send-off.
Shahid Afridi: I view Pakistan's exit from the WT20 in India as Afridi's official farewell assuming he doesn't get a farewell match from the PCB (hopefully not) or comes back one last time again (please NO!). And the expression on his face when he knew Pakistan were going home was enough to say a thousand words.
Misbah, without a doubt had an immensely disappointing run as captain and player after the England tour. But I think, in the grander scheme of things those whitewashes in Australia, New Zealand and the losses against West Indies will be forgotten.
Misbah truly redeemed himself with the bat in this series and what's bigger than signing off as the first Pakistani captain to win a series in the West Indies and in what thrilling, nail-biting fashion.
As for Younis, he averaged 20 with the bat through out the series but the important thing was that he wasn't forced out and didn't have the pressure from the board, the fans and the media that so many Pakistani cricketers in the past have had. He went out on his own terms, which is a real rarity and in the process also got to that all important milestone no Pakistani has ever managed to get before.
Feel free to list any other major Pakistani cricketer from recent memory, you'll see the end was not pretty for them. As for Misbah and Younis, the end couldn't have been more perfect. A new era for Pakistan cricket begins...But #MisYou, we're gonna Miss You.
