As of Monday, 3 January 2022, Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Hafeez announced his retirement from international cricket. Regarded as one of the best all-rounders in Pakistan, Hafeez retired from Test cricket in 2018 after 15 years since his debut. Social media blew up with countless tweets with the bittersweet feeling among cricket fans for their beloved “professor”.
According to the reports, Hafeez’s agent first called him a professor because he used to ask too many intuitive questions. Then PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja also spoke out his nickname on-air while he was a commentator. Generally, he is called the “professor” because of his curious attitude and genius-level understanding of cricket.
Mohammad Hafeez Played for The Pride
The all-rounder appeared in a press conference to make a retirement speech that triggered many farewell posts on Twitter. The ex-captain of the Pakistani team said that he started his journey 18 years ago and ended it today. Explaining why he played for Pakistan, Mohammad Hafeez said that he didn’t have any greed for riches, and he only played for the country’s pride. He wanted to raise Pakistan’s flag at the highest mast possible. In the end, the player said that he had no regrets and was completely satisfied with his career. Hafeez also reaffirmed that he has only retired from international cricket and will continue to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and other domestic leagues.
Farewell Professor
Cricket fans have thanked Mohammad Hafeez for his services to Pakistan cricket. They applauded his brilliant career that only legendary players like Shahid Afridi and Inzamam-ul-Haq have slightly bested.
Some fans were worried about the team’s middle-order, which Hafeez brilliantly led. Even though the professor always considered himself an opener, he performed remarkably well, coming out at number 4.
Most fans also shared their best Hafeez moments along with their tributes. It turned out that Hafeez’s knocks in the final of ICC Champions Trophy 2017 were a favourite inning of many fans. Rightfully so, the professor’s quick half-century paved the way for Pakistan to beat India in a final of Champion’s Trophy.
Career Highlights
Mohammad Hafeez made his debut 18 years ago against Zimbabwe in 2003. Since then, he has represented Pakistan in 392 international matches, scored 12,780 runs and took 253 wickets. He also donned the captain’s hat in 32 international games.
Breaking down, Hafeez played in:
3 x 50 overs World Cups (2007, 2011 and 2019)
6 x 20 overs World Cups (2007, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2021)
3 x ICC Champions Trophy tournaments (2006, 2013 and 2017)
Hafeez’s ICC Player Rankings is 22nd in batting, 29th in bowling, and 5th in all-rounders. The below picture showcases his outstanding statistics.
