Pakistan Fast Bowler Waqas Maqsood Announces Retirement From International Cricket
Left-arm pacer Waqas Maqsood has officially announced his retirement from international cricket. The bowler represented Pakistan in a single T20 International match against New Zealand at Dubai International Stadium in 2018, where he took two wickets.
Player Profile
- Full Name: Waqas Maqsood
- Born: November 04, 1987, Faisalabad, Punjab
- Age: 37 years 311 days
- Batting Style: Left hand Bat
- Bowling Style: Left arm Fast medium
- Playing Role: Bowler
- Teams:
Pakistan Faisalabad Wolves Galle Gladiators Islamabad United Karachi Kings
Early Career and Domestic Success
Waqas Maqsood first made his mark in Pakistan’s domestic cricket circuit, representing various regional teams with distinction. Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and his variations in pace, Maqsood quickly became a valuable asset for his domestic sides.
His consistent performances in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and Pakistan Cup caught the attention of selectors, earning him a place in the national team setup during a period when Pakistan was looking to expand its pool of fast bowling talent.
International Career
Maqsood’s international debut came on November 4, 2018, when he was selected to play against New Zealand in the third T20I of the series in Dubai. Although Pakistan had already secured the series victory, the match presented an opportunity for the team management to test their bench strength.
Waqas Maqsood’s T20I Debut
- Match: Pakistan vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I
- Date: November 4, 2018
- Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
- Figures: 2/21 in 1.5 overs
- Wickets: Lockie Ferguson and Seth Rance
In his brief spell, Maqsood took two important wickets, dismissing New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson and Seth Rance. Despite this promising performance, this would prove to be his only appearance for Pakistan at the international level. Despite strong domestic performances in subsequent seasons, Maqsood wasn’t able to break into the highly competitive Pakistani bowling lineup.
Career Statistics
Bowling Statistics
| Format | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20Is | 1 | 1 | 11 | 21 | 2 | 2/21 | 2/21 | 10.50 | 11.45 | 5.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| FC | 81 | 147 | 14156 | 7372 | 294 | 9/32 | 12/41 | 25.07 | 3.12 | 48.1 | 18 | 11 | 2 |
| List A | 56 | 56 | 2620 | 2322 | 87 | 6/63 | 6/63 | 26.68 | 5.31 | 30.1 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| T20s | 68 | 68 | 1479 | 1901 | 77 | 4/35 | 4/35 | 24.68 | 7.71 | 19.2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Batting & Fielding Statistics
| Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20Is | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 0 | 0 |
| FC | 81 | 121 | 29 | 1178 | 62 | 12.80 | 2590 | 45.48 | 0 | 1 | 152 | 18 | 34 | 0 |
| List A | 56 | 25 | 14 | 189 | 33* | 17.18 | 232 | 81.46 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 3 | 14 | 0 |
| T20s | 68 | 25 | 11 | 83 | 18 | 5.92 | 85 | 97.64 | 0 | 极0 | 4 | 5 | <极>150 |
Domestic Career Highlights
While his international career was brief, Waqas Maqsood enjoyed considerable success in domestic cricket:
- Played for Islamabad, United Bank Limited, and Central Punjab in domestic tournaments
- Featured in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for Multan Sultans and Islamabad United
- Recorded impressive bowling figures in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, including best figures of 9/32
- Known for his economical bowling in the death overs
“I am grateful for the opportunity to have represented Pakistan at the highest level. Playing for my country was a dream come true, and I will always cherish the memories and experiences from my time with the national team.”
Retirement and Future Plans
While Maqsood has retired from international cricket, he may continue to participate in domestic leagues and tournaments. Many Pakistani cricketers have found success as mentors and coaches after their playing careers, and Maqsood’s experience could prove valuable for upcoming fast bowling talent in Pakistan.
Pakistan’s fast bowling tradition remains one of the strongest in world cricket, with new talents consistently emerging from the domestic structure. While Waqas Maqsood’s international career was brief, his contribution to domestic cricket and his perseverance in reaching the highest level serve as an inspiration to many aspiring cricketers in Pakistan.
Pakistan cricket continues to produce world-class fast bowlers, with Waqas Maqsood being one of many talented players who have represented the country. While his international career was brief, his dedication to the sport remains an example for aspiring cricketers.