Mohammed Hafeez, just hours after announcing his international retirement took to the press, this time voicing his concerns for the corruption in Pakistan cricket. Now, the former Pakistan international, Hafeez has insisted that players should be banned from representing their nation if they are involved in corruption and related activities.
“I was and I am still against fixers. I never wanted fixers to be given a second chance. I was told by the then PCB chairman to mind my own business and that those fixers would be given a second chance no matter what. I was devastated to hear that,” Hafeez said in the press conference.
Hafeez has raised his voice and mentioned that he wasn't supported by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) when he took a stand against corruption.
“No, I had started thinking about my retirement since the 2019 World Cup but my wife and some well-wishers convinced me to carry on. But I had started thinking about it since then. As far as what Ramiz said or felt that is his opinion and I have always respected critics and my way has been to go out on the field and give replies to them. I have no hard feelings towards anyone on the board,” the former T20I captain added when asked of his retirement.
“Ramiz said it was because he thought I wanted to speak about my category in the PSL and central contracts. But when I finally met him on 31st December I told him I just wanted to inform him about my decision to retire. I took this decision because I want to set a new and positive precedent for others to follow. Players must retire gracefully, at the right time with respect, and after taking the board into confidence,” he added.
The 41-year-old Hafeez last represented the nation in the last year's T20 World Cup in UAE where Pakistan were knocked out at the semi-final stage. In his 18-year career, the right-handed batter captained Pakistan in 29 T20Is. The versatile player was also renowned for his bowling efforts, with 21 international hundreds he picked up 253 international wickets in all three formats.
