Malik made his Pakistan debut in 1999, while Hafeez made his in 2003.
Ramiz Raja wants Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik to retire from international cricket respectfully and gracefully.
Both Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez have not found a permanent place in the Pakistan national team since the ICC World Cup 2019 in England. They have been recently called back to the squad ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup, which is expected to start in October 2020.
However, former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja believes it is time that they retire from international cricket with respect.
Raja told the media on a video conference, “They (Malik and Hafeez) should leave international cricket with respect and gracefully. I come across both during my assignments that is why I avoid making personal comments. There is no doubt both have served Pakistan cricket well all these years. But now I think it is time they gracefully retired from the Pakistan team.”
He believes that the decision will be good for them as well as for Pakistan cricket who can then look towards the pool of talented cricketers they have to breed at the highest level.
Raja said, “I think if they retire now it will help Pakistan cricket. We have a good pool of players and we must move ahead.”
Hafeez is 39-year-old now and Shoaib Malik is a year younger and it is almost certain that both of them won’t be playing the next ODI World Cup in 2023. It remains a mystery whether either of them makes the harsh decision or waits for an even better time.
(With inputs from PTI)