Razzaq announces retirements, hopes of farewell match

All-rounder wants to play final game alongside Younus, Misbah

KARACHI: One of Pakistan’s finest all-rounders Abdul Razzaq has announced his retirement from international cricket, and has expressed his wishes of playing a farewell match alongside Test legends Misbahul Haq and Younus Khan.

Razzaq last donned the famous Pakistan green in 2013 during a T20I game, while he hasn’t played in an ODI since 2011. His last Test was even further back, having last played the game’s longest format way back in 2006. The 37-year-old last played in a domestic match back in January 2015, but had been hoping of an unlikely return to the national side but has now realised a call-up will not be forthcoming.

“A time comes when every player has to retire and I think this is the right time for me to do so. I have been out of cricket for the past three to four years, so it is really difficult to make a comeback now,” Razzaq told The Express Tribune.

The decision, he said, came up after he saw his fellow players also hanging up their boots. “Shahid Afridi, Misbah, Younus and Muhammad Yousuf — all the players who I used to play with back in the day — have retired,” he said. “The announcement is merely a formality. The main thing is coming to terms with the reality that your time in international cricket has ended.”

Razzaq feels he is also to blame for the past few years. “When I was axed from the team, I shouldn’t have given up,” he said. “If I hadn’t given up and had continued to work hard, I might have earned my place back, but I was so tired of all the internal politics.”

Farewell match

Razzaq — who represented Pakistan in 343 matches across all formats — hopes of getting a farewell match alongside stalwarts Misbah and Younus. “Every cricketer who has served the national team for so long wishes to retire on a high and to have a good farewell,” he said. “So if the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) thinks I should get a farewell, then I’ll be happy to play that match.”

Coaching youngsters

The 37-year-old is part of the Quetta Gladiators coaching staff in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and says that his services are always available for junior players.

“Young players need a dedicated coach to learn the skills required to be an all-rounder,” he said. “Senior players who are already part of the team don’t need coaching; they just need assistance and motivation but those at the start of their career need more careful guidance. I am always happy to share my experience with the future of Pakistan cricket, and I am available if the PCB wants my services.”

And Razzaq feels more focus needs to be paid on young players. “If the underage teams are given the attention and facilities they require then more natural talent will emerge.”

The all-rounder said he will continue to play first-class cricket — representing SNGPL, where he plays alongside the likes of Misbah, Muhammad Hafeez, Azhar Ali and Taufeeq Umar.

“I have recently signed with SNGPL, while I will also compete in domestic one-day and T20 tournaments,” said Razzaq. “I am an assistant coach in the PSL so I don’t think I can play there.”