Abdul Razzaq set to make a comeback aged 38

Abdul Razzaq, the former Pakistan all-rounder, who played his last international match five years ago, is set to make a comeback and play domestic cricket at the age of 38.

The veteran, who played 46 Tests, 265 one-day internationals and 32 Twenty20 Internationals, last turned out in a T20I match against South Africa in 2013, while he played his last domestic game in 2015.

Since then, he has featured in Afghanistan’s Shpageeza Cricket League and the Masters Champions League in the UAE featuring retired cricketers.

Razzaq has now signed a contract with Pakistan Television, confirming his participation in the Quaid-e-Azam trophy, He is also aiming to play in Pakistan Super League’s fourth edition next year.

Razzaq had never retired officially but faded away from the scene after a lack of opportunities having ended his domestic contract with Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited.

He moved to England with his family and was recently signed with as a TV cricket expert, featuring in a studio show covering Pakistan’s recent homes series against West Indies alongside former Test batsman Mohammad Wasim and former captain Rashid Latif.

He explained that Muhammed Wasim encouraged him to play domestic cricket, but also clarified that he was not aiming to return to the international circuit.

“Given the fact that my love for the game is still there, I have decided to give it a shot for one last final time,” Razzaq told ESPNcricinfo.

“I am offered a contract by PTV and going to play first-class cricket for them this year. I know I cannot play for Pakistan anymore and that isn’t my aim either. I know there are a lot of youngsters all over and they are doing very well. I don’t want to push myself there but my aim is to play for another year or two in Pakistan Super League,” he added.

Razzaq felt his major concern regarding his comeback is his fitness. “It is actually about passion and hunger but the only concern for me is fitness right now, which I am working on.

“We have the example of Misbah [ul-Haq] and that is really something encouraging me to push myself. If he can do it being over 40 then there is no reason why I cannot,” he pointed out.

“I have started playing cricket and will play the upcoming Ramzan tournament in Karachi to get myself ready for four-day cricket this season. That is my main target and this will set a tone for me going ahead in the PSL. It’s not about different format but about giving yourself a chance and I think first-class cricket is where I (can) revive myself.”