‘Frustrations started to build up, it was suggested that I retire’ - Chris Mpofu’s shocking retirement revelation

Zimbabwe pacer Chris Mpofu revealed that he was frustrated and the idea of retirement came to his mind in 2020. The 38-year-old played his international match in March 2020 when Zimbabwe was in turmoil after its suspension by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2019 and in 2020.

Mpofu revealed that things were "frustrating" and there were discussions about his increasing age as well. He revealed that he was suggested to retire and he finally took the call amid growing misunderstandings with the coaches. However, he is at peace with the decision as was happy that Legends League Cricket (LLC) started soon after that. 

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“It reached a point where frustrations started to build up. There were misunderstandings with coaches, preferences for certain players, and discussions about age. Eventually, it was suggested that I retire. Surprisingly, this turned out to be a blessing in disguise because just as I retired, the Legends League began,” Mpofu told CricTracker.

“It was an unexpected opportunity because people thought my cricketing days were over. However, I've continued to play, especially in Zimbabwe and in the Legends League, where I've been performing well alongside players I once looked up to like Harbhajan Singh and others,” he added.

I have found more joy in this league than in international cricket: Mpofu

Mpofu interestingly revealed that playing in the Legends League gave him more joy than playing international cricket. He added that there’s no pressure of getting dropped and he enjoys it without any worries. Mpofu also believes that the last three years were some of his best times in the game.

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“This transition has been fulfilling. Legends League caters to retired international players, and for me, it's been an opportunity to continue playing and enjoying the game without the pressure of being dropped from the team. It's ironic but true that I've found more joy in this league than in international cricket. The past three years have been some of the best, free from worries about my place in the team and focused on performing whenever there's a T20 match,” Mpofu said.

Notably, Mofu played his last match for Urbanrisers Hyderabad in December 2023.