Pakistan’s dynamic middle-order batter, Asif Ali, has officially announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 33. Known for his aggressive finishing style and powerful hitting, Asif’s career with the national team concludes after representing Pakistan in 21 ODIs and 58 T20Is. His decision marks the end of a chapter that saw him become a key figure in Pakistan’s white-ball squads, particularly in the shortest format of the game. For all the latest updates on Pakistan sports, visit our dedicated sports section on Forum Pakistan.com.
Asif’s most memorable performance came during the 2021 T20 World Cup, where his explosive cameo of 25 runs from just seven balls helped Pakistan secure a thrilling victory against Afghanistan. This high-pressure knock remains a testament to his ability to perform in crunch situations and solidified his reputation as a formidable finisher. He was also an integral part of the squads that reached the final of the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and the semi-final in 2021.
In a heartfelt social media post, Asif expressed his gratitude, stating, “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.” Despite stepping away from the international stage, fans will still get to see him in action as he confirmed he will continue to play in domestic cricket and various franchise leagues across the globe, including the Pakistan Super League (PSL). His journey began with a breakout performance for Islamabad United in their victorious 2018 PSL campaign, which earned him a spot in the national team. He made his T20I debut against the West Indies in the same year, followed by his ODI debut two months later.
Despite his powerful hitting, Asif’s international career was marked by periods of inconsistency, leading to him being in and out of the national side. His final international appearance was for a second-string Pakistan team at the 2023 Asian Games. He finished his ODI career with 382 runs at an average of 25.46, including three half-centuries. In T20Is, he accumulated 577 runs at a strike rate of 133.87, with a highest score of 41 not out. While his statistics may not tell the full story, his impact as a finisher and his contributions to some of Pakistan’s key victories will be remembered by cricket fans. For more insights and analysis on the world of sports, you can explore leading sports platforms like Forum Pakistan.com. As Asif Ali transitions to the next phase of his career, we at Forum Pakistan.com wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
