Pakistan’s former cricketer-turned-commentator, while talking to media in a video conference on Monday, claimed that the retirement of veteran all-rounders Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik would help Pakistan cricket.

The 57-year-old believed that the duo should leave international cricket with respect and grace.

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“They should leave international cricket with respect and grace. I come across both during my assignments that is why I avoid making personal comments. There is no doubt both have served Pakistan cricket well all these years. But now I think it is time they gracefully retired from the Pakistan team,” Raja said.

The former opener claimed that the time was right to move ahead with the young players of the country at the forefront.

“I think if they retire now it will help Pakistan cricket. We have a good pool of players and we must move ahead,” he concluded.

The veteran duo was brought back to the national fold in the T20 format in February by the current head coach-cum-chief selector Misbahul Haq. Hafeez has claimed that he intends on retiring from international cricket after the upcoming T20 World Cup whereas Malik has not revealed his plans for the future.