Pakistan’s legendary left-arm pacer, Mohammad Irfan, has officially announced his retirement from international cricket. This marks the third retirement in just over 24 hours, following Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir, both of whom had earlier retired and returned to the game. However, unlike his teammates, Irfan’s retirement is final. Let’s take a closer look at his career and achievements, and why he will always be remembered in Pakistan cricket history.
Mohammad Irfan’s Career Highlights
Mohammad Irfan was famous for his towering height, which made him the tallest international cricketer in history. Standing at 7 feet 1 inch, his unique stature helped him generate extra bounce and pace, making him a major threat for batters. Although Irfan’s international career was relatively short, he left a lasting impact, especially in the early to mid-2010s when he was a crucial part of Pakistan’s fast bowling attack.
Key Career Stats
Here are some of Irfan’s career statistics from different formats of international cricket:
| Format | Years Played | Matches | Innings | Wickets | Best Bowling | Average | Economy Rate | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 2013–2013 | 4 | 6 | 10 | 3/44 | 38.10 | 2.86 | 71.2 |
| ODI | 2010–2016 | 60 | 60 | 83 | 4/30 | 30.71 | 4.85 | 37.2 |
| T20I | 2012–2019 | 22 | 22 | 16 | 2/18 | 27.08 | 7.23 | 28.3 |
These statistics highlight Irfan’s skill and versatility, particularly in the ODI format, where he was most successful.
Famous Performances That Will Be Remembered
Mohammad Irfan delivered several standout performances during his career, with some moments still fresh in fans’ memories:
1. 2013 ODI Performance Against South Africa
In a 2013 ODI match against South Africa, Irfan took 4 wickets in Centurion, including the key dismissals of Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers. His performance was crucial in Pakistan’s six-wicket victory.
2. Memorable T20I Debut Against India
Irfan’s debut in T20I cricket was one to remember. He took Virat Kohli’s wicket during a tight spell, which helped Pakistan secure a five-wicket win over India in a rare bilateral series.
3. 2018 Caribbean Premier League Feat
In the 2018 Caribbean Premier League, Irfan showed his skill in T20 cricket by bowling 23 dot balls in a four-over spell, demonstrating his control and effectiveness even in the shortest format.
Injuries and Setbacks
Despite his remarkable skills, Irfan’s career was not without its challenges. Injuries played a big role in cutting his international appearances short. A pelvis stress fracture ended his 2015 World Cup campaign prematurely. Later, in 2017, Irfan was banned for six months after failing to report an approach from a bookmaker.
However, Irfan’s contribution to the team cannot be overlooked, as his unique abilities were instrumental in many of Pakistan’s victories during his active years.
Mohammad Irfan’s Retirement Announcement
In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), Irfan shared his decision to retire:
“I have decided to retire from international cricket. I want to express my deepest gratitude to my teammates, coaches, and fans. Thank you for the love, the cheers, and the unforgettable memories. I will continue to support and celebrate the game that has given me everything.”
This emotional message reflects Irfan’s love for the game and his appreciation for the support he received throughout his career.
Third Retirement in 24 Hours
Irfan’s retirement follows the announcements made by Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir, both of whom have had notable careers with Pakistan. Unlike Irfan, Wasim and Amir had retired and returned to international cricket. However, Irfan’s decision seems final, marking the end of a memorable career in international cricket.
Mohammad Irfan’s Legacy
Mohammad Irfan’s legacy will always be tied to his towering presence and raw pace. His height gave him a distinct advantage over most bowlers, and his ability to generate bounce made him a challenging opponent for batters worldwide.
Though his career was affected by injuries and disciplinary issues, Irfan’s contributions to Pakistan’s cricket team remain significant. Many fans and analysts feel that Irfan’s career could have been even more successful if he had played for a different team, but his achievements for Pakistan, particularly in the ODI format, are unforgettable.
Despite all the setbacks, Irfan’s moments of brilliance on the field, like his 2013 ODI performance and his T20I debut against India, will be remembered for years to come.
Final Thoughts
As Mohammad Irfan bows out of international cricket, his fans and teammates alike will remember him for his remarkable skills, towering presence, and unforgettable moments on the field. While his career was cut short by injuries and personal challenges, his impact on Pakistan cricket remains undeniable. Irfan’s retirement marks the end of an era for the national team, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.
