"My Career, My Choice": Mohammad Hafeez Slams Ramiz Raja For Asking Him To Retire

Premier Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez retired from Test cricket to focus on the limited-overs format. He was, however, advised by cricketer turned commentator Ramiz Raja to ‘retire gracefully’ to allow youngsters get a chance to play for his national team. The comments made by Ramiz Raja were specifically targeted towards Hafeez and Shoaib Malik following the announcement of the 29-member squad for England tour.

Hafeez, who is concentrating on the limited-overs format, had also recently said that he might delay his retirement as he considers the T20 World Cup to be his swansong. Hafeez had called time from his Test career after scoring 3652 runs at an average of 37.64.

Mohammad Hafeez: I don’t play cricket on anyone’s saying, neither will I leave

Hafeez was irked by the comments made by Raja and insisted that it is his career and only he can decide when to retire. The 39-year-old also said that he does not welcomes the opinion from Raja and he should not decide a player’s career based on their age. “I don’t play cricket on anyone’s saying, neither will I leave cricket on anyone’s saying. It is my life, my cricket career and my choice when to retire,” Hafeez said.

“I don’t know the fuss and it is (Ramiz’s) opinion but I say don’t decide on a player’s career based on just his age. If he is super fit and performing and keen to do well for his country, it’s fine,” Hafeez said.

“Ramiz is free to express his opinion but my decision to play cricket or retire is not dependent on anyone’s advice.”

Hafeez averages nearly 33 in the shortest format and has also picked up 53 wickets.