All-rounder Mohammad Hafeez will retire from Test cricket after Pakistan’s ongoing series decider against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi.

Hafeez has played 55 Tests since August 2003’s debut against Bangladesh in Karachi.

‘Today, I want to announce my retirement from the Test-match format so that I can focus my energies on playing for Pakistan in the white-ball formats,’ said the 38-year-old Hafeez.

‘I wish the Test team the very best for their upcoming assignments starting with the tour to South Africa, the team management especially the coach and captain have worked very hard in forming an exciting core of players that can serve for long.’

The 38-year-old will remain available for Pakistan’s limited-overs teams. He has played 203 ODIs and 89 T20Is.

‘I am eyeing to represent Pakistan in the ICC World Cup next year. I feel honoured that I represented the country in 55 Test matches, including the opportunity of captaining the team. I feel satisfied that I performed to the best of my abilities in my 15 year-long Test career,’ he added.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ehsan Mani added: ‘Hafeez gave some memorable and matching-winning performances for Pakistan in the Test match format. He lent great balance to the XI with his bowling abilities.’

Photo: Gallo