Experienced Pakistan cricketers Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez might be going strong in international cricket. Still, former captain Ramiz Raja thinks that both the players should bring down curtains on their careers. Hafeez and Malik are currently the most experienced players in international cricket.
Both of them have retired from Tests while Malik also retired from ODIs after the World Cup last year. On the other hand, Hafeez has made himself available for selection in both ODIs as well as T20I teams.
Both players were dropped from the national team after the World Cup but were recalled earlier this year for their home T20I series against Bangladesh.
While age is not on their side but still Hafeez, 39 and Malik, 38, have vowed they still have plenty of cricket left in them to represent Pakistan in the upcoming T20 World Cup later this year in Australia.
“They should leave international cricket with respect and gracefully,” Ramiz Raja stated on Monday about the two former captains.
Speaking to the media in a video conference, Ramiz Raja stated he avoids making personal comments on a player.
“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 retire.” he stated.
“I think if they retire now, it will help Pakistan cricket. We have a good pool of players, and we must move ahead,” he added.
Recently, Hafeez stated that he would retire from all international cricket after the mega T20I event while Malik stays tight-lipped on his future in international cricket.