Why is this story important?
In the 2010s, Shafiq was among the most reliable batsmen for Pakistan in Test matches, where he was capably led by Misbah-ul-Haq.
Despite batting at number six, he has a respectable record for the Men in Green in the longest format.
Shafiq was a member of the Pakistani Test team that finished first in the 2016 ICC Rankings.
Shafiq played Test cricket and averaged 38.19.
Shafiq has been a reliable member of the Pakistan Test team ever since his debut against South Africa in 2010.
In 77 Test matches, the middle-order batsman scored 4,660 runs at an average of 38.19. In this style, he has hammered 12 centuries and 27 fifties.
In a 2016 match in Brisbane against Australia, Shafiq recorded his highest Test score of 137.
The majority of Pakistan’s Test centuries rank six or lower
Shafiq has amassed the most Test centuries for Pakistan when batting at number six or below, according to ESPNCricinfo. In Test cricket, he batted at this position for nine of his twelve hundreds. Only Ian Botham (11), and Adam Gilchrist (15) lead overall.
Examining his ODI background
Shafiq played in 60 ODIs, making his ODI debut against Bangladesh in 2010 and amassing 1,336 runs at an average of 24.74.
The 37-year-old has nine fifty-plus ODI scores.
2013 saw Shafiq record his highest ODI score of 84 against Ireland.
In 30 away ODIs, he amassed 639 runs, whereas in three home ODIs, he scored 55 runs.
Shafiq is no longer filled with ardor and desire.
Shafiq told ESPNCricinfo, “I’m not feeling that excitement and passion that I did when I first started playing the game.”
“I wanted to express my gratitude to everyone who has supported me during my career. I played domestic cricket in 2020 after being dropped in the hopes of making a comeback. However, I had made the decision that this would be my final season before it even began.”