'Professor, you will be missed': Mohammad Hafeez's retirement triggers farewells and tributes on Twitter

The former captain and veteran allrounder announced his retirement from international cricket on Monday.

03 Jan, 2022

It's a bittersweet day for Pakistani cricket fans everywhere. Former captain and veteran allrounder Mohammad Hafeez announced his retirement from international cricket on Monday, triggering a flood of farewells from cricket fans on Twitter.

The 41-year-old announced his decision at a press conference in Lahore. "I started this journey 18 years ago, and I'm announcing my retirement today," he said. "I played for Pakistan due to the pride [I felt]. I didn't have greed, I didn't want to earn money, I only played for pride. I have no regrets of any kind. I am completely satisfied [with my career]."

Hafeez said he will continue to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and other cricket leagues.

The PCB took to social media to thank the cricketer for his trailblazing contributions to Pakistani cricket. "Thank you Hafeez", it tweeted.

Fans too took to Twitter to fondly bid adieu to Hafeez, nicknamed "Professor".

"[The] Professor Retires," posted a heartbroken user. "What a Legend."

"What an incredible servant Hafeez has been for the history of Pakistan cricket," tweeted another user. "He's been through all the highs and lows for Pakistan [and] has always played every game with his heart on his sleeve. One of our greatest ever cult heroes."

"Aah, Professor you will be missed. Happy Retirement Mohammad Hafeez," tweeted one fan.

"[The] end of an era!" exclaimed a fan. "Thank you Professor for all [your] services for Pakistan. A brilliant career comes to an end."

"Pakistan has now lost its middle order gem," tweeted a fan.

Many remembered Hafeez as part the great spin trio in Pakistan cricket that included Saeed Ajmal and Shahid Afridi.

"With the retirement of Hafeez [comes] the end of the greatest spin era of Pakistan Cricket in LOIs [Limited Overs Internationals]," said one fan.

"Streets will never forget the greatness!" a user posted, sharing a picture collage of Ajmal, Hafeez, Afridi as well as Umar Gul.

"Thank you Hafeez bhai for such a great memories with [Shahid Afridi] and others," shared a fan. "You are [a] legend and [we] will miss you Professor. Hopefully [we will] see u in [the] commentary box."

Some fans also shared their favourite innings of The Professor.

It's been quite the journey for Hafeez who began his professional cricket journey in 2003. His last match was the T20 World Cup 2021 semi-final against Australia, in which he came to bat at the very end of the innings and finished unbeaten on 1 run off 1 ball.

Farewell Professor, you will be missed.

Comments

Citizen Jan 03, 2022 02:15pm

We will not miss Hafeez as he would be very much-in in domestic cricket as well as other countries' leagues.

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Asad Jan 03, 2022 02:20pm

Many thanks otherwise Management in PCB would had never go against you because of Punjabs hegemony.

Rahim Jan 03, 2022 03:41pm

The original chucker. If he did chuck in bowling he would have been world class all rounder, no doubt.

Hamza Hussain Jan 03, 2022 04:22pm

A very positive ppayer..with captain qualities all rounder...thank you Hafeez bhai

Inquisitor Jan 03, 2022 04:27pm

Well played in a long innings that served Pakistan well.

Jo Jan 03, 2022 05:49pm

All the best for your future. Glad you made a decision that's right for you and creating opportunities for the next generation.

GreenAura Jan 03, 2022 06:45pm

Thank you professor. Many brilliant memories with the bat and wildcard bowling against LHB openers across multiple formats.

Riazullah Baig Jan 03, 2022 07:58pm

Good riddance and really perplexed to observe that a club level player managed to play in the national side for so long!

Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Jan 04, 2022 01:26am

Well played professor, you will be missed. As always, keep it up and hang on tough.

THE Jan 04, 2022 03:10am

Congratulations on a brilliant International career.

Shoaib Manzoor Jan 04, 2022 08:19am

I can't remember he win Pakistan single hand.

Anonymouseee Jan 04, 2022 10:11am

Hafeez has certainly served Pak cricket well and his record speaks for itself. He will be missed dearly. Best wishes for the future Professor saab.

Fazal Karim Jan 04, 2022 11:10am

A gentleman cricketer. Never seen in controversies. We will miss him.

Syed Hasni Jan 05, 2022 08:28pm

One of the most overrated player of Pakistan Cricket history, he should have been in the same league as Iqbal Sikander, Nadeem Ghouri ( worth few matches ), thought they have more talent than him. Plenty of more talented players , playing on the streets of Karachi.

Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Jan 06, 2022 04:01pm

Well played professor and for donning the green-shirt colors with pride and distinction and representing your country for a long, memorable, and historic period of eighteen years. Everybody has to retire one day but one must call it a quits at his or her own terms, time, and tenure while at the top. Through sheer hard work, faith, dedication, devotion, discipline, perseverance, and tangible on-the-field stellar performances, you have proved to be one of the top green-shirt allrounders of modern-day cricket in the world. The whole nation salutes you for taking a principled stand against those corrupt, crooked, cruel, cunning, crafty and criminal cricketers involved in match or spot fixing and spoiling, damaging, and destroying the good name, reputation, prestige, credibility, honor, dignity, rank, and position of the country. As always, keep it up and hang on tough since you are now entering a post-retirement phase of your life while expanding your horizon and vision at the same time.