Mohammad Hafeez bids adieu to international cricket

Former Pakistan Test captain Mohammad Hafeez has finally announced his retirement from international cricket, Geo News reported Monday.

Hafeez, aka The Professor, had earlier bid farewell to Test cricket in 2018.

The cricketer led the Pakistan cricket team in all formats of the game.

Saying goodbye to international cricket with pride and satisfaction: Hafeez

Today I say goodbye to international cricket with pride and satisfaction, Hafeez said while addressing a press conference to announce his decision.

"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," Hafeez said.

The cricketer said that he feels extremely fortunate and proud to have been considered worthy to represent the country in the national kit with Pakistan's emblem for 18 years.

He said that he has always kept the country and team a priority and tried to impact their profile and image positively by playing hard and tough but within the rich traditions of the spirit of cricket every time he stepped on the field.

“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," Hafeez said.

He said that cricket has been a great learning school for him and has provided him 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," he added.

In his 18-year-long career, the all-rounder scored 12,789 runs and took 253 wickets while representing Pakistan in 392 international matches.

Besides this, he played 55 Tests, 218 ODIs, and 119 T20Is for the country, including three ICC ODI world cups and six T20 world cups.

Hafeez, now aged 41, started his international career in April 2003, with his debut ODI against Zimbabwe in Sharjah. His Test debut was against Bangladesh in Karachi on August 20, later in the same year.

The Professor played his first T20 match in August 2006 against England while the T20 World Cup 2021 semi-final against Australia proved his last 20-over match.

The right-handed batter played his final ODI match last year in July at Lord's against Bangladesh.

Mohammad Hafeez was also a member of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 winning team.