After Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, another Pakistan player bids adieu to international cricket

Fast bowler Mohammad Irfan has become the latest Pakistan cricketer to announce his retirement from international cricket. Irfan's retirement came just a few hours after the retirement of Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim.

It is a big shock for Pakistan cricket given all these retirements have come in a space of a few hours, although, none of the players was in the scheme of things for selection. Irfan last played international cricket five years ago in a T20I in Australia.

Since then, he has been out of the national team due to issues with his form and fitness. However, he has continued to represent Khan Research Laboratories in the President’s Cup while playing domestic cricket.

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Mohammad Irfan announces retirement from international cricket

Mohammad Irfan made the announcement about his retirement on December 14 through his social media handle. He thanked his teammates and coaches for all the support during his career.

"I have decided to retirement from international cricket.I want to express my deepest gratitude to my teammates, coaches,Thank you for the love, the cheers, and the unforgettable memories.and I will continue to support and celebrate the game that has given me everything," Irfan posted on X (formerly Twitter).

I have decided to retirement from international cricket.I want to express my deepest gratitude to my teammates, coaches,Thank you for the love, the cheers, and the unforgettable memories.and I will continue to support and celebrate the game that has given me everything🇵🇰 zindabad

— Mohammad Irfan (@M_IrfanOfficial) December 14, 2024

Mohammad Irfan's numbers in international cricket

Mohammad Irfan played 4 Tests 60 ODIs, and 22 T20Is in his career. While he didn't play much red-ball cricket, he featured constantly in Pakistan's white-ball teams at the peak of his career.

It was ODI cricket which he enjoyed playing the most, having picked up 83 wickets at an average of 30.71 and an economy rate of 4.91. He came into the limelight during Pakistan's historic white-ball tour to India in 2013 and when he stunned everyone with his height and pace.

Mohammad Irfan is still regarded as the tallest cricketer to have played the game with a height of 7'1". His height was his main strength and the pace combined with the left-arm angle made it hard for the batters to face him.

The left-arm quick had the ability to run through batting line-ups on his day. At the start of his career, most of the batters had difficulties while facing him. But the batters soon got used to it, which decreased his penetration a bit.

His career was also affected by injuries. Being a tall figure, he had difficulties managing his body, especially while fielding. He wasn't regarded as the best of the fielders but made it up with his bowling skills. He even faced a six-month ban once when he failed to report an approach from a bookmaker in the year 2017.

Third Pakistan cricketer to retire recently

Mohammad Irfan became the third Pakistan cricketer to announce his retirement in the space of two days. Before him, allrounder Imad Wasim and left-arm quick Mohammad Amir also announced their retirements through social media.

Both Amir and Wasim had retired earlier before coming back for the T20 World Cup 2024. However, Pakistan had a dismal tournament as they were knocked out of the group stage after suffering a shocking defeat to the USA.