Pakistani all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez recently called it quits from Test cricket after Pakistan lost to New Zealand in the 3-match series. However, there were rumors surrounding his retirement, as it was said that the 38-year-old all-rounder retired as he was scared of facing Proteas quick Dale Steyn.

South Africa will host Pakistan in their backyard shortly and Hafeez had to clarify that he didn’t retire from Tests out of fear of facing South Africa's Dale Steyn. “I did not retire from Test cricket because I was not performing. I retired from Test cricket because of personal reasons,” said Hafeez to Geo News Hafeez.

“I have achieved many milestones in my career and there were no other milestones left for me to play for,” Hafeez said, adding, "I want to focus on white ball cricket from now on.”

The 38-year-old said, “People think that I am afraid of South Africa's playing conditions and [Dale] Steyn and [Kagiso] Rabada. I have to face these bowlers in one-day cricket also. I will answer these statements with my performance."

Talking about leading Lahore Qalandars in the upcoming PSL 2019.           

Hafeez said, “Qalandars have entrusted me with a huge responsibility. I will do my best with the help of the players and management. Qalandars have done great work with the players' development programme.”

“Our [Lahore Qalandars] aim is now to win matches in PSL. We have a good combination of players, especially AB de Villiers who is a world-class player. The best thing is we are trying to convince de Villiers to play the full length of the tournament. If that happens we will get to see him in action in Pakistan also,” Hafeez concluded.

(Inputs from geo.tv)