Abdul Razzaq to resume First-Class cricket career after five-year hiatus

Former Pakistan cricket team all-rounder Abdul Razzaq will make a surprise comeback to First-Class cricket, five years after he played his last international match. Razzaq has signed a contract with Pakistan Television to play in the next Quaid-E-Azam Trophy.

According to ESPNCricinfo, the 38-year-old former cricketer, who last played for Pakistan in 2013, in a T20I against South Africa, does not aim to make a comeback to the national side but wants to play a couple of more years in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) before retiring.

“It was Mohammad Wasim who actually motivated me to play again. Given the fact that my love for the game is still there, I have decided to give it a shot for one last final time. I am offered a contract by PTV and going to play first-class cricket for them this year. I know I cannot play for Pakistan anymore and that isn’t my aim either,” Razzaq said.

“I know there are a lot of youngsters all over and they are doing very well. I don’t want to push myself there but my aim is to play for another year or two in Pakistan Super League and this is all about it,” he added.

Razzaq says he has drawn inspiration from former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq as he gears up to play domestic cricket once again.

“It is actually about passion and hunger but the only concern for me is fitness right now, which I am working on. We have the example of Misbah and that is really something encouraging me to push myself. If he can do it being over 40 then there is no reason why I cannot,” Razzaq said.

Razzaq worked as an assistant and bowling coach with the Quetta Gladiators in the PSL and also as a TV cricket expert, having moved to England with his family.

The 38-year-old, who was considered as one of the best all-rounders ever produced by Pakistan, played 46 Tests, 265 ODIs and 32 T20Is for Pakistan. A bowler who could clock up to 140 kmph in his prime, he is yet to announce his retirement officially.