Mohammed Hafeez retires from International cricket - Discuss his legacy

[Da_Future_Knick]

Lahore, 3 January 2022: Former captain Mohammad Hafeez has announced his retirement from international cricket 18 years after making his debut in Sharjah against Zimbabwe on 3 April 2003.

Hafeez represented Pakistan in 392 international matches, scoring 12,780 runs and taking 253 wickets, besides also captaining the side in 32 international matches. He was a member of the Pakistan side that won the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 in England and Wales. Overall, Hafeez played in three 50-over World Cups (2007, 2011 and 2019), six 20-over World Cups (2007, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2021) and three ICC Champions Trophy (2006, 2013 and 2017).

In the ICC Player Rankings, Hafeez achieved highest Test rankings of 22nd in batting, 29th in bowling and fifth in all-rounders. In the ODI rankings, Hafeez’s highest-ranking was 13th in March 2014, while he topped the bowling and all-rounder charts in August 2012 and January 2013, respectively. Hafeez’s rankings in T20I were equally impressive, peaking to ninth in batting in February 2007, third in bowling in August 2013 and number-one in all-rounders in March 2014.

Mohammad Hafeez: “Today I say good-bye to international cricket with pride and satisfaction. In fact, I have earned and accomplished more than I had initially envisaged and for that, I am thankful to all my fellow cricketers, captains, support staff and the Pakistan Cricket Board who helped me out during my career.

“And, of course, my family who made big sacrifices to ensure I achieved my aspirations of representing Pakistan at a global stage.

“I am extremely fortunate, lucky and proud to have been considered worthy of donning the national kit with Pakistan emblem for 18 years. My country and my team have always been at my forefront and therefore, every time I stepped on to the field, I tried to raise their profile and image by playing hard and tough but within the rich traditions of spirit of cricket.

“When you have a professional career as long as mine, you’re bound to have your share of highs and lows, and I was no different. Results apart, I can say with conviction that I had more highs as I had the privilege of playing with and against some of the finest exponents of the bat and the ball of my era.

“While cricket has been a great learning school for me, this great sport has provided me opportunities to visit various countries, explore their cultures and make friends. These are lifelong memories, which I will cherish every day. I want to thank my fans and supporters for believing in my abilities and backing me throughout my career.”

PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja: “Hafeez has been a wholehearted cricketer who worked tirelessly at his game to have a long and fruitful career.

“His game evolved with time, adjusting to different formats quite intelligently. Later in his career, he became a T20 specialist, where he was never out of touch with modern demands of this testing format. His batsmanship took a sprightly turn, nailing sixes almost at will.

“He has worn the green blazer with pride for which we at the PCB are thankful. I wish him best of luck for his future life and thank him again for his magnificent contribution to Pakistan cricket.”

 

[Justcrazy]

Finally, the big day has come!

 

[hoshiarpurexpress]

Pakistan fan's should rejoice this and give him a proper sendoff.
No backsies.

 

[MenInG]

So official now.

Sad to see him go but I think its the best decision.

Always a thinking-man's cricketer - to the end.

 

[ARK Rafay]

He'll be remembered. A great and honest servant in cricket for Pakistan.

 

[Ahmed216]

Alhamdolillah. Fans will feel relieved n happy at this news

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Will always be remembered for his crucial innings against India in the CT17 Final, Thank You Professor.

 

[Sycamore]

A good solid limited overs cricketer who should've achieved so much more with the bat. With the ball pre-bowling action change, probably the best off spinner to LHB.

Unfortunately it took him until the last 2-3 years of his career to learn to play modern ODI cricket.

 

[BreadPakoda]

Useful all rounder although a late bloomer. Average of 32 @ SR of 76 in ODIs doesn't do justice to his talent.

 

[Unbiased-Fan]

Hafeez was extremely mediocre batsman.
How does he manage to play for almost 15 years with that average 31 and strike rate of 75 * His t20I stats are equally mediocre.
His test avergae of 40 doesn't really show how much bad he was.
Talking about his bowling, he was certainly a great limited overs bowler. Topping the ODI bowler ranking for some time indicates his talent as a bowler.

 

[Unbiased-Fan]

Also he was the spinner who manage to restrict and trouble great Great Gautam Gambhir.

 

[ARK Rafay]

Hafeez was extremely mediocre batsman.
How does he manage to play for almost 15 years with that average 31 and strike rate of 75 ����* His t20I stats are equally mediocre.
His test avergae of 40 doesn't really show how much bad he was.
Talking about his bowling, he was certainly a great limited overs bowler. Topping the ODI bowler ranking for some time indicates his talent as a bowler.

You are contradicting. How do you measure and conclude that his batting talent is reflected from his ODI average but not Test?

 

[shah9425]

Good bye professor

 

[volcyz]

Amazing cricketer lucky to be blessed in all facets of the game,

master of trades jack of none.

 

[Savak]

He improved in the last 12-13 years. People need to filter and take his averages from 2010 to date to account

 

[Unbiased-Fan]

He improved in the last 12-13 years. People need to filter and take his averages from 2010 to date to account

Since 2010,

44 tests, 2975 runs, 38.63 avergae, 8 hundreds, 224 HS

170 ODIs, 5740 runs, 37.27 average, 80.50 SR, 11 hundreds

80 T20is, 1730 runs, 25 average, 115 Sr

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Probably had more low-points than high-points, but there were times when he was really good and made a difference with both bat and ball. For me, his most consequential innings will end up being the quickfire fifty against India in the CT final. And I enjoyed his performances in UAE whenever he was in the test opener spot.

 

[Savak]

Since 2010,

44 tests, 2975 runs, 38.63 avergae, 8 hundreds, 224 HS

170 ODIs, 5740 runs, 37.27 average, 80.50 SR, 11 hundreds

80 T20is, 1730 runs, 25 average, 115 Sr

Decent stats for an all rounder. Not world beater stats but given the alternatives in Pakistan, don't think he kept anyone better out

 

[Slim]

Class cricketer. Played some vital knocks for Pakistan. Will always remember his blitz during the CT final. And also the meltdown he gave sarfraz in PSL too

Glad to see him hanging his boots in time. A great servant of Pakistan cricket! <3

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

And say what you will about him but he definitely represented Pakistan with dignity and pride. He understood the value and honor that came with getting a chance to represent your country on the big stage. And for that he will always have my respect.

Its interesting to me that he still considers his (and Azhar Ali's) decision to take a stand against match-fixers the biggest low-point of his career. Says alot about him. And though I may have had a different POV at the I see now that he was 100% right. This is what he said regarding it in the press conference btw if anyone wants to know.

"The thing that hurt me the most was when I stood up against the return of match fixers. When I registered my protest, the then Chairman told me 'If you want to play then play. They will play.'"

 

[Slim]

Absolutely loved how he revamped his t20I game and was able to hit sixes at will. He can be a great coach in future, has all the ingredients to be one.

 

[Unbiased-Fan]

And say what you will about him but he definitely represented Pakistan with dignity and pride. He understood the value and honor that came with getting a chance to represent your country on the big stage. And for that he will always have my respect.

Its interesting to me that he still considers his (and Azhar Ali's) decision to take a stand against match-fixers the biggest low-point of his career. Says alot about him. And though I may have had a different POV at the I see now that he was 100% right. This is what he said regarding it in the press conference btw if anyone wants to know.

"The thing that hurt me the most was when I stood up against the return of match fixers. When I registered my protest, the then Chairman told me 'If you want to play then play. They will play.'"

By reading this, my respect for Hafeez increased twice

 

[Slim]

By reading this, my respect for Hafeez increased twice &#55357;&#56396;

One of the few educated sub-continent cricketers. A rare breed.

 

[Da_Future_Knick]

A good cricketing mind with an understanding of the modern day game. I think he’ll find himself some local coaching positions and eventually he will become Pakistan’s head coach.

 

[Shariq7]

Going by his press conference, he looks rather content with his career. However, I wonder if the source of his satisfaction is his stats or longevity.

Although I agree with his stance on the match-fixers, I can't entirely agree that it was his role to speak up.

Finally, I'm disappointed with his comments on the revival of Departmental cricket.

Anyways, farewell to him.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Decent cricketer. Good servant to Pakistan cricket. Has always been useful, similar to Malik but more talented and effective in most areas. Age caught up with him at a time when he looked to improve and understand the requirements of modern day cricket.

Has been lucky to play for so well owing to Pakistan cricket not having many options, however has produced some match-winning knocks in his twilight years which we will always cherish.

Good luck to him for the rest of his career, Pakistan cricket will definitely miss him in the short term.

 

[Hermoine Green]

Hafeez was extremely mediocre batsman.
How does he manage to play for almost 15 years with that average 31 and strike rate of 75 &#55358;&#56614;&#55356;&#57339;* His t20I stats are equally mediocre.
His test avergae of 40 doesn't really show how much bad he was.
Talking about his bowling, he was certainly a great limited overs bowler. Topping the ODI bowler ranking for some time indicates his talent as a bowler.

If player like Bhajji can take 400 wickets, then pretty sure Hafeez can also thrive for such long time

 

[MenInG]

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has revealed the lowest point of his 18-year-old career after he announced his retirement from international cricket.

While talking to reporters at PCB Headquarters in Lahore, the 41-year-old disclosed the former PCB Chairman's remarks when he stand against playing with the spot fixers.

Hafeez was one of the few individuals who denied playing against Mohammad Amir in 2016 as he returned to the Pakistan cricket team after serving the ban.

Hafeez opined that he is still against the fixers as they don't deserve a second chance.

'I was and I am still against fixers. I never wanted fixers to be given a second chance. I was told by the then PCB chairman to mind my own business and that those fixers would be given a second chance no matter what. I was devastated to hear that," Hafeez said.

Meanwhile, Hafeez said that he decided to end his career in 2018 but after discussions with family and pushing himself to play for few more years.

"I wanted to be part of the 2021 World Cup-winning squad, but it wasn't to be. I pushed myself in the 2019 World Cup and the 2021 T20 World Cup as well. I had been thinking about retirement for the last two years or so, but now is the right time for me to part ways," he added.

Hafeez added that no one has forced him to take this decision. "I retired myself and this was my decision only. I wasn't forced by anyone into taking this decision. I could have continued till the next T20 World Cup, but I decided to move on. I am still fit and I will continue playing franchise cricket till I am performing," he maintained.

https://cricketpakistan.com.pk/en/n...-reveals-pcbs-response-to-playing-with-fixers

 

[Saj]

He's retired on his own terms and when he wanted, rather than being kicked out and humiliated, which is rare in Pakistan cricket.

Some wonderful performances over the years by Hafeez.

 

[happydavy]

I read somewhere that he holds the record for maximum man of the series for pakistan and is 4th on the list of man of match awards for Pakistan. Must be said that those ridiculing him are not just good enough to tie his shoelaces but to even touch his shoes.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

An MVP in white ball cricket when he could both bowl and bat. When he only could bat, then not as valuable expect for couple of purple patches.

In tests, he was there because there was no one else any better but remembered as a home pitch cert.

His biggest miss: maturing too late to understand his game and strengths.

Overall, he made Pakistan neither better nor worse.

However he never ditched his country duties for franchise cricket, which he could easily have.

 

[Unbiased-Fan]

If player like Bhajji can take 400 wickets, then pretty sure Hafeez can also thrive for such long time

Bhajji had his best performances against world best team of all times. He didn't feast on minnows.

 

[happydavy]

Bhajji had his best performances against world best team of all times. He didn't feast on minnows.

Have u seen bhajji's record outside India? An average of 70 in Australia, 50 in England, 50 in Lanka. You take WI and Zimbabwe out of Bhajji's career and his overall average jumps to 37+.

 

[Amjid Javed]

18 years and a symbol of mediocrity in pakistani cricket. Never should have played as many games as he did. The fact he failed as an opener and then started being used as a middle order player in some formats and was still a failure just shows how pathetic our team selections were.

Good riddance, we need to learn going forward to not recycle garbage players for nearly 2 decades.

 

[mosh101]

Nobody better than him when he's on song with the bat. He has been superb for Pakistan in the recent years.

All the best to him and thank you for serving Pakistan Cricket.

 

[transparent opacity]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Many a great battle with this man, end of the day, we had the best time and memories we can enjoy forever! <br><br>Congratulations on a wonderful international career! <br>Inspired your nation and played the game the right way, well done &#55357;&#56394; <a href="https://twitter.com/MHafeez22?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MHafeez22</a> <a href="https://t.co/dJ9zyjcVYT">pic.twitter.com/dJ9zyjcVYT</a></p>— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaleSteyn62/status/1477938182247354371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[gazza619]

Wow this is an emotional moment.

Perhaps the most discussed cricketer on PP.

 

[shaz619]

Since 2010,

44 tests, 2975 runs, 38.63 avergae, 8 hundreds, 224 HS

170 ODIs, 5740 runs, 37.27 average, 80.50 SR, 11 hundreds

80 T20is, 1730 runs, 25 average, 115 Sr

Decent stats for an all rounder. Not world beater stats but given the alternatives in Pakistan, don't think he kept anyone better out

The numbers might have been a bit better if didn’t open

 

[shaz619]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Many a great battle with this man, end of the day, we had the best time and memories we can enjoy forever! <br><br>Congratulations on a wonderful international career! <br>Inspired your nation and played the game the right way, well done &#55357;&#56394; <a href="https://twitter.com/MHafeez22?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MHafeez22</a> <a href="https://t.co/dJ9zyjcVYT">pic.twitter.com/dJ9zyjcVYT</a></p>— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaleSteyn62/status/1477938182247354371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Many a great battle

 

[IAJ]

At his best he was a treat to watch, played som lovely pure cricketing shots. Played big part in many wins for Pakistan.

But many a times he was very irritating to watch, either kept losing his wicket at crucial times or just tuk tuking his way to no where.

In the end, well done, you served your country well and without scandals and wish you all the best for future commitments.

 

[shaz619]

Hafeez will be missed for providing us so much amusement over the years as part our ODI bowling spin unit he was a great support for Afridi and Ajmal, did really well in non-asian conditions mostly and as some have said, the knock against India is probably his most memorable

 

[Major]

Party going on at the iftikhar residence

Hafeez was a good opener. He was a decent batsmen but could had been much much betterm when he is in form he really does bat well. His bowling as a fifth bowler was a treat to watch.

Pcb often mistreated him as a captain and he often would be fighting internal foghts with them.

I admire his stance on fixers and as he leaves the likes of amir and sharjeel are quite irked with the comments made. I wont be surprised if amir tries to score points here.

As hafeez goes, iftikhars spot in the t20 team has finally opened up

 

[Junaids]

Superb legacy,

Second worst batting average outside Asia in Test history for a recognised batsman.

Considering that there have been 144 years of Test cricket, that’s a spectacular achievement.

To last so long with such a terrible record, it’s just an amazing triumph of staying power and shamelessness over failure.

 

[angrypathan]

One of the best timers of a cricket ball I’ve ever seen, just edged them too often

Farewell Professor

 

[DRsohail]

Party going on at the iftikhar residence

Hafeez was a good opener. He was a decent batsmen but could had been much much betterm when he is in form he really does bat well. His bowling as a fifth bowler was a treat to watch.

Pcb often mistreated him as a captain and he often would be fighting internal foghts with them.

I admire his stance on fixers and as he leaves the likes of amir and sharjeel are quite irked with the comments made. I wont be surprised if amir tries to score points here.

As hafeez goes, iftikhars spot in the t20 team has finally opened up

Happy for ifti, Hafiz was mediocre at best and was missing in crunch situations

 

[IMMY69]

Probably the most aesthetically pleasing batsman in the Pakistan team until Babar came along.

Wasted too much time opening the batting when he was more suited for the middle order.
I'm sure he would have scored any more runs had he batted at 5 or even 6 in tests and ODI's.

Should perhaps have captained the ODI side too and, as well as retiring on his own terms, he also vacated the T20 captaincy on his own terms albeit prematurely

 

[offstump]

We’re just too harsh as fans sometimes. Hafeez had a good career and was a solid servant for pakistan cricket. A good cricketing mind too. Nice to see him sail off without any major controversy. He’ll be back either as an administrator or coach for Pakistan.

 

[Junaids]

In 2012-13 Mohammad Hafeez scored less runs across 3 Tests in South Africa than the “fast” bowler Tanvir Ahmed scored in 1 Test.

I must admit, I thought that that was a fluke, a statistical anomaly.

Then Pakistan picked Sohail Khan as a “fast” bowler in England in 2016 - and he outbatted Mohammad Hafeez as well. Plus Mohammad Amir also scored more runs at a better average than Hafeez as well.

Hafeez was a decent flat track bully in Asia, and he was the resident clown every time he played a Test outside Asia.

 

[transparent opacity]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">My journey of pride representing &#55356;&#56821;&#55356;&#56816; came to an end & i m proudly retiring from international cricket with great satisfaction & joy. Thank u all for 18 years of support. Maintaining highest level of pride & dignity always is my most valuable achievement. Pakistan &#55356;&#56821;&#55356;&#56816; Zindabad</p>— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) <a href="https://twitter.com/MHafeez22/status/1477908309592080385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[DHONI183]

Hah´, Mohammed Hafeez, the man who meant so much to someone who used to mean so much to me till late-2017.... Great memories attached with him and his performances. I remember once talking to that someone on the phone whilst Hafeez was nearing an ODI century. The personal touch to his career made him as much important to me as some all-time great, although it clearly wasn´t the case. Him having a bad day meant us having a bad day, myself being on the receiving end of a lot of tension. Again, memories!

A thinking player, someone who would strive hard to understand the fine details of the game, someone who always looked like the captain of the team even when he wasn´t. One of the smartest players that Pakistan had ever produced, although it would´ve been nice if he had a little more to show in terms of numbers and performances with the bat. I rate him really highly with the ball, though, for someone who was primarily a batting all-rounder. Very tight, economical, and hard to get away, and was a serious, serious, threat to left-handed batsmen. With the bat, he was quite good to when when on song, owing to his flawless timing and those touches. However, again, he wasn´t much of a force that would threaten the opposition.

All the best to him for the future! Wonder whether he too will join the list of analysts that appear on our TV channels....

 

[Cover Drive Six]

Hafeez is good player.

Good luck to him for the rest of his career.

 

[James]

We’re just too harsh as fans sometimes. Hafeez had a good career and was a solid servant for pakistan cricket. A good cricketing mind too. Nice to see him sail off without any major controversy. He’ll be back either as an administrator or coach for Pakistan.

My thoughts as well. Best to him.

 

[amax]

he was honest servant of pakistan cricket and a decent cricketer .
because of social media and all this internet , people just focus on 0.00001% of humanity , if you arent elon musk , lara , wasim akram, micheal jordon , cR7 in your field , you are utterly worthless to many , thats why average person feel so lack of self esteem nowadays.

 

[CrIc_Mystique]

Wow..he started off in '03?...Well played proffessor Sahab - respect from an indian fan

 

[Zaz]

Shouldve done better with the bat than he did Too many times he looked superb and gave away his wkts softly esrly in the innings In the end he had a good intnl career

Looking back he was rightly against fixers

Its good to see him to go out on his own terms

 

[Double Trouble]

Professor played the game in the true spirit

The reason why is stats are bad is due to the fact some clever clogs told him to open mainly in tests

He was always a finisher or a number 5 or 6 batsmen

I hope the PCB can get him in as a mentor for the next gen of players

 

[Kaddy]

Good bye Hafeez

I have a feeling that around 2012-13, team management should have tried Umar Akmal as an opener and Hafeez as finisher at 5 or 6. He would have achieved more there as he was a better player of spin than seam or swing.

Anyway his most memorable moment will be his CT17 final innings.

 

[Manunited18]

All the best to Mohammed Hafeez.
Decent cricketer, who gave it his best.

 

[Kaddy]

Also he was the spinner who manage to restrict and trouble great Great Gautam Gambhir.

Yes indeed it was his biggest achievement as the other bowlers all around the world found it very difficult to restrict or trouble 'Great great Gautam Gambhir'.

 

[Devadwal]

One of the most humble , respected Pakistan player i have seen, Truly gentleman. good luck for your future Mr Hafeez .

 

[Bewal Express]

A solid player that underachieved. He was never an opener but would have made an excellent 6 in tests along with his spin bowling.

 

[Shafi]

Alhamdulillah!!! 3 more to go. Malik, Azhar and Sarfraz. Great job by Ramiz Raja!!!!!!!!

 

[Junaids]

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has revealed the lowest point of his 18-year-old career after he announced his retirement from international cricket.

While talking to reporters at PCB Headquarters in Lahore, the 41-year-old disclosed the former PCB Chairman's remarks when he stand against playing with the spot fixers.

Hafeez was one of the few individuals who denied playing against Mohammad Amir in 2016 as he returned to the Pakistan cricket team after serving the ban.

Hafeez opined that he is still against the fixers as they don't deserve a second chance.

'I was and I am still against fixers. I never wanted fixers to be given a second chance. I was told by the then PCB chairman to mind my own business and that those fixers would be given a second chance no matter what. I was devastated to hear that," Hafeez said.

Meanwhile, Hafeez said that he decided to end his career in 2018 but after discussions with family and pushing himself to play for few more years.

"I wanted to be part of the 2021 World Cup-winning squad, but it wasn't to be. I pushed myself in the 2019 World Cup and the 2021 T20 World Cup as well. I had been thinking about retirement for the last two years or so, but now is the right time for me to part ways," he added.

Hafeez added that no one has forced him to take this decision. "I retired myself and this was my decision only. I wasn't forced by anyone into taking this decision. I could have continued till the next T20 World Cup, but I decided to move on. I am still fit and I will continue playing franchise cricket till I am performing," he maintained.

https://cricketpakistan.com.pk/en/n...-reveals-pcbs-response-to-playing-with-fixers

Absolutely shameless from Hafeez.

He thinks he has the moral high ground?

The spotfixers did not affect any results, or damage anybody’s careers except their own.

Whereas Hafeez’s chucking affected results and damaged careers. It was the equivalent of an athlete using anabolic steroids to inflate his performance.

Funnily enough, Hafeez didn’t seem to object to being selected by Inzamam or coached by Waqar Younis. Both of whom were found guilty in Justice Qayyum’s fixing investigation, and both of whom were fined by Qayyum and the PCB for the offences for which they were found guilty.

Please excuse me, but I find the stench of moral superiority quite nauseating!

 

[Markhor]

What partly explains Mohammad Hafeez's longevity was his continual reinvention of himself since his debut after Aamer Sohail's post-2003 WC purge, occupying so many roles from Opener, Batting AR, Bowling AR, Specialist Batsman, Middle Order, Lower Order Finisher, Frontline Spinner and T20 Powerhitter.

It's quite smart as that makes it difficult for selectors to discard you. Whatever role needs filling - Hafeez was your utility man. However the issue with utility players is often they're jack of all trades, master of...

Hafeez was never technically compact enough to be a Test or ODI opener outside Asia, as Dale Steyn painfully exposed. He was too proud to demote himself to 6 or 7. Without his bowling, it was hard to justify him as a pure bat. As a pure bowler, he was always economical but that's when cleared by the ICC to bowl.

Ultimately when Hafeez reflects on his career, he should've stuck to his roots. He was a damn good Sargodha tape ball hitter - and his best international innings - the CT17 final - was abandoning all delusions of orthodox batting and just returning to tape ball hitting mode. In the sunset of his career, he was an effective T20 boundary hitter at 3/4 - the role he should've always occupied.

When Hafeez was in full flow as a batsman, only Babar Azam could match him for timing and aesthetic value. When he wasn't, the demand for a younger replacement began.

Then the Professor reinvented himself again.

 

[GreenKhan]

For a player who was atrocious in ICC tournaments, and for someone who I was certain would fail in a pressure situation , he did well to play for 18 years .

Played on the whole “ senior” element for many years but rarely led by example .

A decent cricketer when you play for 18 for years your bound to have some highs, but most definitely over stayed his welcome In the team .

 

[Junaids]

Just to expand on my earlier point.

It’s absolute hypocrisy of the worst order for him to criticise the former Chairman of the PCB for allowing Amir (but not Asif or Butt) to return. Because Hafeez himself expressed no objection to working with Inzamam and Waqar who each have their own prior conviction and punishment.

He can’t claim he didn’t know. He was almost 20 years old when Inzamam and Waqar were found Guilty.

Seriously, when you are yourself a convicted chucker, who had no moral scruples about working under convicted men like Inzamam and Waqar, don’t cast stones at other people and try to take the moral high ground.

 

[Markhor]

Just to expand on my earlier point.

It’s absolute hypocrisy of the worst order for him to criticise the former Chairman of the PCB for allowing Amir (but not Asif or Butt) to return. Because Hafeez himself expressed no objection to working with Inzamam and Waqar who each have their own prior conviction and punishment.

He can’t claim he didn’t know. He was almost 20 years old when Inzamam and Waqar were found Guilty.

Seriously, when you are yourself a convicted chucker, who had no moral scruples about working under convicted men like Inzamam and Waqar, don’t cast stones at other people and try to take the moral high ground.

Justice Qayyum did not find Inzamam and Waqar guilty of matchfixing. Please read the report.

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

A guy who probably made the most of his limited abilities, and one who did actually look to improve his game (of his own volition) deep into his thirties, which must be respected.

I'm glad he's called it a day, better to go on your own terms then to be pushed out.

If Hafeez has good communication skills and empathy, he needs to, with the support of the PCB, start doing his coaching badges. I think he'd be a very good youth coach.

 

[Saj]

I remember meeting him years ago when he was playing in UK club cricket.

He was out of the Pakistan team, struggling for form and whilst some will have sulked and moaned, he was in the UK playing club cricket, trying to regain his form and confidence.

I remember him telling me, my hard work will pay-off and I will come back to international cricket.

He certainly did come back and went on to play a lot of cricket for his country.

 

[Pakpak]

18 years and a symbol of mediocrity in pakistani cricket. Never should have played as many games as he did. The fact he failed as an opener and then started being used as a middle order player in some formats and was still a failure just shows how pathetic our team selections were.

Good riddance, we need to learn going forward to not recycle garbage players for nearly 2 decades.

Spot on, can't believe people are giving paragraphs here as if he was a legend

He stopped bowling after his chucking, so you take his bowling out and his stats and numbers are completely mediocre.

Good riddance.

 

[Pakpak]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Many a great battle with this man, end of the day, we had the best time and memories we can enjoy forever! <br><br>Congratulations on a wonderful international career! <br>Inspired your nation and played the game the right way, well done �� <a href="https://twitter.com/MHafeez22?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MHafeez22</a> <a href="https://t.co/dJ9zyjcVYT">pic.twitter.com/dJ9zyjcVYT</a></p>— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaleSteyn62/status/1477938182247354371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Great battle.....you mean Steyn completely dominating and bullying him.

 

[PakEngFan]

Thank God this rubbish has retired now please Malik and Azhar follow next.

 

[Uzi]

Fairly average career to be honest, but mediocrity is celebrated nowadays. Good luck to him for his future endeavours.
[MENTION=452]Majid Khan[/MENTION] - please can you write a detailed piece on his career as it would be a treat to read.

 

[sweep_shot]

He hangs up the boots finally.

All the best with retirement.

 

[MoJoJoJo]

hafeez of 2012-15 was a different beast altogether.. But he dragged his career by atleast playing 2,3 years way past his expiry.

 

[moghul]

Thanks God, for his "retirement ", he is not retired , he was dropped against WI , he was not performing , he is 45 year old, so decided to "retire", but that's good.

I can;t believe such a mediocre cricketer played so long for Pakistan , lets not talk about him being a chucker also.

But being a smart and educated guy, he has s promising career in coaching or as a commentator .

He should take over coaching job for Junior cricketers and after some times , for senior team also. Hope PCB will utilize him for some role , he deserves that, we need a "professor" involved with our domestic structure.

 

[asadee]

One of the most dignified retirement pressers I have seen

 

[Ozymandiasza]

He was blessed to be very good in all three facets of the game.

Enjoy retirement.

 

[Majestic]

One of the finest cricketers of the game. It was a pleasure watching his battles vs Steyn. Steyn often tried his best shots against Hafeez but more often than not, it was latter who showed unbelievable resilience and grit to get the better of former.

 

[Bilal_103]

The definition of mediocre. I can’t believe this guy managed to play this long for Pakistan.