Mohammad Hafeez Profile – Age, Career Info & Stats

Few players in modern cricket have managed to balance skill, strategy, and consistency the way Mohammad Hafeez has. Nicknamed “The Professor” for his smart approach to the game, Hafeez has been one of Pakistan’s most dependable and versatile all-rounders for nearly two decades. From classy stroke play to tight off-spin, his cricketing intelligence has made him a key figure in every format.

Let’s take a friendly, in-depth look at his journey — from his early days in Sargodha to becoming one of Pakistan’s most respected cricketing minds.

Quick Profile: Who Is Mohammad Hafeez?

Known for his sharp cricket brain and disciplined lifestyle, Hafeez has often been seen as a mentor figure in the dressing room. Whether opening the batting or breaking partnerships with his off-spin, he always brought balance to the team.

Early Life and Rise to Stardom

Born in Sargodha, Punjab, Mohammad Hafeez’s journey into cricket wasn’t easy. He didn’t come from a wealthy background, but his determination and love for the sport pushed him forward. Like many young cricketers in Pakistan, he started playing tape-ball cricket before making his mark in domestic competitions.

His consistent performances in Pakistan’s domestic circuit caught the attention of national selectors, and in 2003, Hafeez made his international debut in both Tests and ODIs. From there, his cricketing journey became a tale of hard work, reinvention, and remarkable longevity.

Mohammad Hafeez’s Batting Career Stats

Over the years, Hafeez has played across all major formats — Tests, ODIs, and T20Is — and even had a short stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His stats tell the story of a player who gave his all every time he stepped onto the field.

Test Career

• Matches: 55

• Innings: 105

• Runs: 3,652

• Highest Score: 224

• Average: 37.65

• Strike Rate: 56.02

• Fours: 455

• Sixes: 28

• Hundreds: 10

• Fifties: 12

Hafeez’s Test career highlights his technical soundness. His double century (224) showcased his patience and ability to build big innings — something rare in the fast-paced modern game.

ODI Career

• Matches: 218

• Runs: 6,614

• Highest Score: 140

• Average: 32.91

• Strike Rate: 76.61

• Hundreds: 11

• Fifties: 38

In ODIs, Hafeez was a pillar in Pakistan’s middle order for nearly 15 years. His ability to rotate strike, hit timely boundaries, and provide stability made him one of Pakistan’s most reliable batsmen.

T20I Career

• Matches: 119

• Runs: 2,514

• Highest Score: 99

• Average: 26.46

• Strike Rate: 122.04

• Fifties: 14

In T20s, Hafeez transformed himself into a power-hitter at the top of the order. His knock of 99 runs remains one of the best innings by a Pakistani in the format.

IPL Career

• Matches: 8

• Runs: 64

• Highest Score: 16

• Average: 9.14

• Strike Rate: 77.11

Though his IPL career was short-lived, Hafeez’s all-round ability earned him early recognition during the league’s early years.

Mohammad Hafeez’s Bowling Career Stats

Hafeez’s off-spin was his secret weapon — he wasn’t flashy, but he was extremely effective. His control and ability to contain batters in the middle overs often turned matches in Pakistan’s favor.

Test Format

• Matches: 55

• Wickets: 53

• Best Bowling: 4/16

• Average: 34.11

• Economy: 2.67

In Tests, Hafeez’s bowling was all about discipline. He often bowled long spells that gave Pakistan’s main bowlers a breather while maintaining pressure on the opposition.

ODI Format

• Matches: 218

• Wickets: 139

• Best Bowling: 4/41

• Average: 38.86

• Economy: 4.19

His ODI economy rate of 4.19 is phenomenal in modern cricket, where run-scoring is faster than ever.

T20I Format

• Matches: 119

• Wickets: 61

• Best Bowling: 4/10

• Average: 22.75

• Economy: 6.6

In T20Is, Hafeez’s off-spin became crucial, especially in powerplay overs. His spell of 4/10 remains one of the best performances by a Pakistani all-rounder in the shortest format.

IPL Bowling

• Matches: 8

• Wickets: 2

• Best Bowling: 1/8

• Economy: 6.8

Though he didn’t get many opportunities in the IPL, his tidy economy rate proved his consistency.

Career Timeline & Major Milestones

From 2003 to 2021, Hafeez was part of Pakistan’s core group, helping the team in crucial ICC tournaments, including the 2017 Champions Trophy, where Pakistan lifted the title.

Why Is He Called “The Professor”?

Hafeez’s nickname didn’t come out of nowhere. Known for his sharp mind and tactical awareness, teammates often relied on him for advice during matches. His calm presence and deep understanding of cricketing nuances earned him the title “The Professor.”

He wasn’t just a player — he was a strategist, often analyzing opponents’ weaknesses and adjusting team plans accordingly.

Also Read : Mitchell Swepson Profile – Age, Career Info & Stats

Strengths That Define Mohammad Hafeez

1. Versatility: Whether opening the innings or bowling in the middle overs, Hafeez adapted to every role.

2. Control in Bowling: His off-spin may not have been flashy, but it was disciplined and accurate.

3. Leadership: As Pakistan’s former T20I captain, Hafeez led with confidence and maturity.

4. Fitness and Longevity: Playing international cricket for nearly 18 years is a testament to his discipline and professionalism.

5. Team Spirit: Hafeez always prioritized team goals over personal milestones — a true hallmark of a professional.

Hafeez’s Impact Beyond Statistics

While numbers tell part of the story, Hafeez’s real contribution lies in his leadership and mentorship. Many young players — including Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi — have credited him for guiding them during their early days in international cricket.

His ability to blend tradition with innovation made him a bridge between generations. Even after retiring, he continues to serve Pakistani cricket as a mentor and commentator, sharing insights that reflect his deep cricketing intellect.

Career Highlights and Achievements

• Represented Pakistan in 392 international matches across formats.

• Scored over 12,800 international runs and took more than 250 wickets.

• Part of Pakistan’s 2017 ICC Champions Trophy-winning team.

• Ranked among ICC’s top 10 all-rounders multiple times.

• Scored 10 Test centuries and 11 ODI hundreds — a rare feat for an all-rounder.

Evolution of His Game

Hafeez’s career wasn’t without challenges. His bowling action was reported multiple times, but each time, he came back stronger after making adjustments. Instead of letting setbacks define him, he used them as opportunities to improve.

In his later years, Hafeez reinvented himself as a T20 specialist, adding power-hitting to his game and becoming one of Pakistan’s most dependable players in the shortest format.

Legacy and What Lies Ahead

Even after retirement, Hafeez’s influence on cricket remains immense. He’s transitioned into roles as a cricket expert, coach, and mentor, continuing to shape Pakistan’s next generation of players.

Fans still admire his composure, sportsmanship, and articulate views on the game. His story is proof that intelligence, adaptability, and hard work can sustain a long, successful career in international cricket.

Final Thoughts

Mohammad Hafeez isn’t just an all-rounder — he’s a symbol of cricketing intelligence and perseverance. His blend of skill, leadership, and dedication earned him respect not just in Pakistan but around the world.

From scoring centuries to breaking crucial partnerships, Hafeez has done it all. And while his playing days may be behind him, his impact on the game continues — guiding, inspiring, and mentoring future generations of Pakistani cricketers.

In short, The Professor taught cricket fans one timeless lesson: class and consistency never go out of style.