Asif Ali Announces Retirement from International Cricket After Memorable Career

Asif shared that representing Pakistan was the proudest chapter of his life, describing it as the biggest honor of his cricketing career. In his message, he wrote, “Today, I announce my retirement from international cricket. Alhamdulillah, wearing the Pakistan jersey has been the greatest honour of my life, and serving my country on the cricket field will always remain the proudest chapter of my journey.”

The hard-hitting batter, known for his ability to change the course of a match with quick runs and powerful sixes, also thanked everyone who stood by him throughout his career. He expressed deep appreciation for his teammates, coaches, fans, friends, and family, highlighting their support in both his highs and lows.

One of the most emotional parts of his message was when he recalled the loss of his young daughter during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021. Despite being in the middle of an important tournament, Asif displayed immense strength by continuing to play for his country. He credited his family and supporters for helping him through the darkest period of his life. “To my fans, teammates and coaches, thank you for your love, belief and support through every high and low. To my family and friends, who stood with me in moments of joy and in the deepest of trials, including the loss of my beloved daughter during the World Cup, your strength carried me forward,” he wrote.

Throughout his international career, Asif Ali played 58 T20 Internationals and 21 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) for Pakistan, scoring a total of 959 runs across both formats, including three half-centuries. His contributions went beyond numbers, as he was often remembered for his ability to deliver under pressure, especially in high-stakes games.

He was a crucial part of the Pakistan squad that reached the semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup in 2021 and the final in 2022. During the 2021 edition, Asif played memorable match-winning innings against New Zealand and Afghanistan in the group stage, performances that remain highlights of his career. His big-hitting ability in the death overs made him one of Pakistan’s most dangerous finishers during that period.

Asif’s last appearance in the green jersey came in 2023 at the Asian Games against Bangladesh, marking the end of his chapter as an international cricketer. While he may no longer represent Pakistan on the field, his contributions, particularly in T20 cricket, will be remembered by fans for years to come.

With his retirement, Pakistan bids farewell to a cricketer who, despite facing personal tragedies and criticism at times, remained committed to his team and country. His career is a reminder of resilience, dedication, and the pride that comes with wearing the national colors.

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