Refused BPL because Pakistan comeback is priority: Mohammad Hafeez

Former Pakistan T20 skipper Mohammad Hafeez has his eyes set on a comeback. In a recent media interaction at Karachi, Hafeez said that he is working very hard to stage a national comeback. He was recently cleared by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to bowl again in international cricket. He was banned from bowling following a suspect bowling action.

With the suspension lifted now, Mohammad Hafeez is toiling hard to don the green jersey yet again. Hafeez mentioned that he had the offer to play in this season of the BPL. He, however, chose to skip it in a bid to play for Pakistan. He cited how he had been previously been offered to feature in many other T20 leagues as well.

“Playing for Pakistan is important for me. All these leagues are second priority for me, that is why I have refused it before and refused this time as well because playing here and making a comeback in the national side is much more important for me,” he quoted.

It was back in 2015 during the Galle Test when Mohammad Hafeez was found to have been bowling with an illegal action. Having committed the suspect action twice in the time frame of 12 months, he was suspended by the ICC.

Last week, the ICC cleared his actions and Hafeez is now raring to go. “The bowling action of Pakistan’s Mohammad Hafeez has been found to be legal, and the player can now resume bowling in international cricket,” the ICC recently said.

His team mate Shahid Afridi also expressed his happiness on the return of Hafeez. He took to Twitter to mention how Hafeez is a key member for the national side. He wrote, “Great to see you return to bowling crease @MHafeez22. You’ll be a big force for PeshawarZalmi and Pakistan team.”

Great to see you return to bowling crease @MHafeez22. You'll be a big force for PeshawarZalmi and Pakistan team.

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) November 30, 2016