Follow UsPower-hitters are not a common sight in modern Pakistan cricket, and that’s where Asif Ali shone as a finisher down the order for Pakistan. However, Asif, who played 21 ODIs and 58 T20Is for Pakistan, has now announced retirement from international cricket at just 33 years of age.
Taking to his Instagram account, Asif announced his retirement and said, “ Today, I announce my retirement from international cricket. Alhamduillah, 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.”
Known for his six-hitting prowess and ability to score quickly, Asif was fast-tracked into the Pakistan side and was a key part of the team during the 2021 and 2022 T20 World Cups after beginning his T20I career in 2018. However, he was mostly used as a cameo batter, and his potential was hardly ever explored at the top as he played most of his innings down the order for Pakistan. Moreover, his lack of consistency also failed to inspire confidence of the team management in him.
His most renowned innings came against Afghanistan in the 2021 T20 World Cup when Pakistan needed 24 to win the game in the last two overs, and he bashed Karim Janat for four sixes in the 19th over to win his team the game against Afghanistan, who have been involved in some tense finishes against Pakistan since then.
Now that he has retired from international cricket, Asif will continue to play domestic and franchise cricket. Notably, he has already shown his value in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) where he has won the trophy with Islamabad United quite early in his career.
“To my fans, teammates, and coaches, thank you for your love, belief, and support through every high and low,” Asif added in his statement, thanking the ones who contributed to his career.
“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.”