Mohammad Hafeez was about to retire but I suggested to stick around, reveals Shoaib Akhtar

The first day of the ongoing Test match between Australia and Pakistan was all about the veteran Mohammad Hafeez. He scored his tenth century in the format opening the innings for his team and announced his comeback in style. Hafeez donned the white jersey for his country after two years and celebrated his return with a stroke-filled knock. However, the experienced campaigner was about to retire from the game only a few months ago and the former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar stopped him from doing so.

Hafeez was extremely disappointed after being dropped from the Asia Cup squad and there were also reports about him pondering to retire from the game. Meanwhile, Pakistan lacked experience in the Asia Cup and could only register wins over Hong Kong and Afghanistan. He wasn’t included in the Test squad at the first place and was added at the eleventh hour before the series commenced.

The veteran walked back into the playing XI and smashed 126 runs to assert that he is not done yet with the game. His knock made Akhtar happy more than anyone else.

His knock gave me great pleasure

Mohammad Hafeez unfurled all his strokes on an attritional day of Test cricket and stitched a 205-run opening stand along with Imam-ul-Haq. His innings made sure that Pakistan ended the day on top despite losing three wickets in the last session. Shoaib Akhtar was delighted for the veteran as it was him who had Hafeez from retiring.

Akhtar suggested the 37-year-old to not take any decision in a hurry and stick around for some time in the international arena. The results are in front to see for everyone as Hafeez has sealed his place in the Test side yet again and possibly he will also come back in the ODI side now.

“Hafeez wanted to retire & about to give up from the international cricket. I told him to stick around for a little while & thank GOD he listened to me & now see him performing like this gives me great pleasure ..Saved the day for Pakistan,” Akhtar tweeted after watching the veteran raise the bat.

Here’s his tweet:

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