Muhammad Irfan, the towering fast bowler known for his remarkable height and fiery spells, has announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 42. The left-arm pacer, who made a significant impact during his career, leaves behind a legacy of resilience and determination despite battling injuries that hampered his international journey.
Irfan represented Pakistan in four Test matches, 60 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and 22 T20 Internationals (T20Is). Over his career, he claimed a total of 109 international wickets. In Tests, he took 10 wickets, while in ODIs, he accounted for 83 dismissals. In T20Is, he picked up 16 wickets.
One of the highlights of his career came during an ODI against South Africa in 2013, where he earned the Player of the Match award. His fiery spell at Centurion saw him dismiss Graeme Smith, Colin Ingram, AB de Villiers, and Faf du Plessis, helping Pakistan secure a six-wicket win.
Irfan’s T20I debut was equally memorable. During a bilateral series against India, he made an immediate impact by dismissing the star batter Virat Kohli, setting the tone for a five-wicket victory. His ability to trouble batters with his height and speed made him a formidable bowler on his day.
Despite his potential, Irfan’s career was marred by injuries, including a pelvis stress fracture that cut short his 2015 World Cup campaign. However, he remained an integral part of Pakistan’s cricket history, delivering match-winning performances against some of the world’s best batting line-ups.
In addition to his international career, Irfan continued to play domestic cricket and has been actively representing Khan Research Laboratories in Pakistan’s domestic circuit, including the President’s Cup.
After stepping away from the international stage, Irfan found success in T20 leagues around the globe. Notably, during the 2018 Caribbean Premier League, he bowled an incredible spell of 23 dot balls in his four overs, showcasing his enduring skill and precision.
In his retirement statement, Irfan expressed heartfelt gratitude to his teammates, coaches, and fans. “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. Pakistan Zindabad!”
Irfan becomes the third Pakistani cricketer to announce his retirement within 36 hours, marking the end of another chapter in Pakistan cricket.