In a remarkable turn of events for Pakistan cricket, Mohammad Irfan, the towering pacer known for his extraordinary height and bounce, announced his retirement from international cricket.
This marks the third retirement in just 36 hours from the Pakistan cricket fraternity, following the announcements by Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim.
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Irfan’s Emotional Farewell
The 42-year-old shared his decision on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), expressing gratitude for his career and love for the game.
“I have decided to retire from international cricket. I want to express my deepest gratitude to my teammates and coaches. Thank you for the love, the cheers, and the unforgettable memories. I will continue to support and celebrate the game that has given me everything. Pakistan Zindabad.”
Irfan’s Career Highlights
Mohammad Irfan’s career spanned over a decade, during which he became an iconic figure in cricket due to his imposing 7’1” height.
- Test Matches: 4 matches, 10 wickets
- ODIs: 60 matches, 83 wickets
- T20Is: 22 matches, 16 wickets
Although his last international appearance was over five years ago, Irfan remained active in domestic cricket, recently representing Khan Research Laboratories in Pakistan’s President’s Cup.
The Wave of Retirements
Irfan’s announcement follows closely on the heels of other high-profile retirements:
- Mohammad Amir:
The left-arm fast bowler, known for his swing and pace, announced his retirement just a day earlier, citing a desire to pass the baton to the next generation.“It has been a great honor to play for Pakistan across all three formats. This is the right time for the next generation to elevate Pakistan cricket to new heights,” Amir said. - Imad Wasim:
The talented all-rounder bid farewell earlier in the week, sharing his pride in representing Pakistan and focusing on other pursuits.
A Changing Landscape for Pakistan Cricket
The trio of retirements signals a significant shift in Pakistan’s cricket setup, paving the way for younger players to step up and make their mark on the international stage.
As fans bid goodbye to Mohammad Irfan, they’ll remember his unique contribution to Pakistan cricket, particularly his ability to extract steep bounce and trouble batters around the world.