- Who should lead Quetta Gladiators in PSL 2024? - March 20, 2023
- Muhammad Amir’s Reputation on the Line: Examining his Recent Performance - February 20, 2023
- Is Young Gun Azam Khan knocking the door for a Potential T20I Consideration? - January 18, 2023
Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik are the two players who were selected in the T20 world cup squad based on their experience and the numerous years they have given to Pakistan Cricket. 2006 witnessed the debut of both cricketers. With 15 years passed, people are now wondering if Malik and Hafeez will be retiring after the ICC T20 world cup 2021 and bid adieu to T20i cricket?
T20i Career of Mohammad Hafeez
Professor has played 118 matches, scored 2513 runs with an average of 26.4 and a strike rate of 122. Coming to his bowling, he was successful in taking 61 wickets with an economy of 6.57.
T20i Career of Shoaib Malik
The veteran allrounder has played 121 matches, scored 2434 runs with an average of 32, and a strike rate of 125.9. His bowling record consists of 28 wickets with an economy of 7.08.
Confusion Surrounded their Selection
Before the big tournament, everybody was debating whether it was right to select them in the squad or not. Their selection had divided the people because some wanted to see youngsters playing instead of them while the others were in favor of not leaving experienced players behind. Babar Azam too belonged to the second group.
Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez contributions in T20i World Cup
Pakistan has played 5 games and until now fans have been glad because of the inclusion of Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik. Let’s find out why.
Shoaib Malik’s turn to bat had come thrice in this world cup and he scored a total of 99 runs. He remained not out twice. In the game against Scotland, he scored the fastest fifty on 18 balls and equaled the record of Kl Rahul. His fiery innings not only earned him praises but also the Potm award.
Mohammad Hafeez was called to bat four times in this world cup. He scored 84 runs while remaining not out just one time. He also took one wicket.
What do they say About Taking Retirement?
Shoaib Malik hasn’t given any official statement about the status of his retirement in recent months. However, he discussed it in April and announced that he doesn’t want to retire.
“I am saying very clearly today that I have not even thought about retirement. I have no plans to retire now because I am fit, I can bat, I can bowl and I can field.”
Mohammad Hafeez indeed has talked about the topic of retirement recently. During this time, the only thing he is thinking about is lifting the cup for Pakistan. Retirement is not the topic he is giving any attention to.
“I’m completely focused on winning the T20WorldCup and not thinking of retirement for now. I don’t want to take any emotional decision regarding retirement at this moment.”
Decision is Pending
In a nutshell, it seems that Mohammad Hafeez will decide on his retirement after the T20 world cup keeping in mind his form the whole tournament while Shoaib Malik will probably play for 1 or 2 more years.
Also read:
England vs South Africa: What Should be SA XI? 4 Green Team Writers Pick Theirs
