Pakistan cricket has seen its fair share of dramatic comebacks, and Fakhar Zaman’s recent dismissal of retirement rumors is just the latest twist. The 2017 Champions Trophy hero sparked speculation after an emotional post-match moment and a sluggish 24-run knock against New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy, where he was playing through an oblique muscle injury.
At 34, with his exclusion from Pakistan’s central contracts and ongoing criticism of PCB decisions, whispers of his retirement gained traction. However, Fakhar shut down the speculation, telling PCB Digital that the rumors were “rubbish” and that he still hopes to represent Pakistan in T20s, ODIs, and even Test cricket.
Fakhar’s situation is far from unique—Pakistan cricket has a history of players walking away, only to return when the national team calls. Here are three others who famously reversed their retirement decisions:
1. Shahid Afridi – The King of Comebacks
Shahid Afridi practically made “retirement U-turns” a part of his brand. Between 2006 and 2017, he announced his retirement five times and returned three—in 2006, 2011, and 2016. Every comeback was driven by Pakistan’s need for his explosive batting, crafty leg-spin, and larger-than-life presence.
His 2016 T20 World Cup return at age 36 was a testament to his enduring value. Afridi played a crucial role, helping Pakistan reach the semi-finals with key wickets and a match-winning knock against Bangladesh. For Afridi, retirement was never really the end—just a break before the next big stage.
2. Imad Wasim – The Reluctant Retiree
In November 2023, Imad Wasim announced his retirement, citing a desire to “explore other opportunities.” Yet, just six months later, he was back in the mix after a standout Pakistan Super League (PSL) season. Leading Islamabad United to the 2024 title with a Player-of-the-Match performance in the final, he reignited the selectors’ interest.
However, in December 2024, Imad retired again—this time making the announcement on social media. His career saw him score 986 runs in 55 ODIs at an impressive average of 42.86 and a strike rate of 110.29. In T20Is, he tallied 554 runs at a strike rate of 130.04. With the ball, he claimed 44 ODI wickets and 73 in T20Is.
Fakhar Zaman and Faheem Ashraf Return to Pakistan Squad for Champions Trophy.
3. Mohammad Amir – Retirement and Redemption?
Mohammad Amir’s international retirement in 2020, citing “mental torture” by PCB management, seemed final. But four years later, at 32, the left-arm pacer declared himself available for the 2024 T20 World Cup, revealing positive discussions with PCB officials.
His comeback followed a mixed PSL season (10 wickets for Quetta Gladiators) but an impressive run in the Caribbean Premier League, where he took 43 wickets at an economy rate of 6.50. However, in December 2024, Amir shocked fans again by re-retiring, posting his official farewell on social media.
History Repeating Itself?
Fakhar Zaman’s retirement saga is yet another example of how unpredictable Pakistani cricket careers can be. Whether he eventually follows Afridi, Imad, and Amir in making a U-turn remains to be seen, but if history tells us anything, the door to a comeback in Pakistan cricket is never truly closed.
