Lahore, December 15, 2024: Pakistan’s towering left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Irfan has announced his retirement from international cricket. The decision follows the recent retirements of all-rounder Imad Wasim and fellow left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir, who stepped away from the game just a day earlier.
Irfan shared the news through a social media post, expressing gratitude to his teammates, coaches, and fans for their unwavering support throughout his career. While his departure is unlikely to impact Pakistan’s current squad—given that he last played an international match over five years ago—the 42-year-old continued to make his mark in domestic cricket, most recently representing Khan Research Laboratories in the President’s Cup.
Standing at 7’1”, Irfan holds the distinction of being the tallest player in cricket history. His height and left-arm pace made him a unique and formidable presence on the field during his prime.
Irfan enjoyed his most successful years in white-ball cricket during the early to mid-2010s. Among his standout performances was a fiery spell in a 2013 ODI against South Africa, where he dismissed key batters AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis. He also made a memorable T20I debut during Pakistan’s 2012-13 tour of India, where his miserly spell, including the dismissal of Virat Kohli, helped Pakistan secure a commanding victory.
While his height offered distinct advantages, it also posed challenges, particularly in managing his fitness. Injuries were a recurring issue throughout Irfan’s career, including a pelvis stress fracture that prematurely ended his 2015 World Cup campaign. Additionally, his career was marred by a six-month ban in 2017 for failing to report an approach by a bookmaker, tarnishing an otherwise respectable record.
Over the course of his career, Irfan represented Pakistan in 86 international matches, including 4 Tests, 60 ODIs,taking 83 wickets at an average of 30.71 and an economy rate of 4.91 and 22 T20Is.
