Pakistani middle-order batter Asif Ali has officially announced his retirement from international cricket, marking the end of a five-year career with the national side.
The 34-year-old cricketer revealed the decision through an emotional post on Instagram on Monday, calling it the “proudest chapter” of his life to represent Pakistan.
“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,” Asif wrote in his farewell note.
He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to his fans, teammates, and coaches for their unwavering support throughout his highs and lows. The hard-hitter paid a special tribute to his family, recalling their strength during personal tragedies, including the loss of his young daughter during a World Cup campaign.
Asif made his international debut in 2018 and featured in 58 T20 Internationals and 21 One-Day Internationals, amassing 959 runs, which included three centuries across formats. His final appearance for Pakistan came in October 2023 against Bangladesh during the Asian Games.
He was part of Pakistan’s squads in the 2021 and 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cups, where his power-hitting performances, particularly against New Zealand and Afghanistan in the 2021 edition, remain memorable for fans.
With his retirement, Pakistan bids farewell to a cricketer known for his explosive batting style and ability to change the course of a game in crucial moments.
