Pakistan’s Asif Ali retires from international cricket

Pakistan’s middle-order batter Asif Ali announced his retirement from international cricket on Monday, bringing an end to a notable chapter of his career. The 33-year-old featured in 21 ODIs and 58 T20Is for Pakistan, often playing the role of a finisher. Known for his aggressive style, Asif’s most memorable performance came during the 2021 T20 World Cup when he scored 25 off just seven balls in a thrilling win over Afghanistan. Taking to social media, Asif said, “Wearing the Pakistan jersey has been the greatest honour of my life and serving my country on the cricket field has been my proudest chapter.” He confirmed that he will continue to feature in domestic cricket and franchise leagues across the world. Asif was part of Pakistan’s squad that reached the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2022 and the semi-final in 2021. He made his T20I debut in 2018 against the West Indies and his ODI debut two months later. In the same year, he played a crucial role in Islamabad United’s triumph in the Pakistan Super League. Despite his talent, inconsistency and lack of form forced him out of the national team. His last international appearance came during the 2023 Asian Games as part of Pakistan’s second-string side. In his 21 ODIs, Asif scored 382 runs at an average of 25.46, including three fifties. In T20Is, he accumulated 577 runs at an average of 15.18, with a strike rate of 133.87 and a highest score of 41 not out. Asif Ali leaves behind memories of fearless batting and crucial finishing for Pakistan cricket.