Pakistan’s big-hitting middle-order batter Asif Ali has called time on his international cricket career, ending a seven-year journey that featured flashes of brilliance, personal tragedy, and a reputation as one of the team’s fiercest finishers.
The 33-year-old announced his decision on Instagram Monday, describing the honour of wearing the Pakistan jersey as the “proudest chapter” of his life.
“Alhamdulillah, wearing the Pakistan jersey has been the greatest honour of my life,” Asif wrote. “Serving my country on the cricket field will forever remain my proudest chapter.”
From Personal Loss to Match-Winning Heroics
Asif’s career was marked by moments of raw resilience, including playing through the devastating loss of his young daughter during the 2019 Cricket World Cup. In his retirement note, he paid tribute to those who supported him through both triumphs and heartbreak.
“To my fans, teammates, and coaches—thank you for your love and belief through every high and low,” he wrote, also acknowledging his family’s role in helping him cope with tragedy.
A Short but Impactful Career
While his international numbers—58 T20Is and 21 ODIs, totaling 959 runs with three half-centuries—might not leap off the page, Asif earned a reputation for delivering when it mattered most. His explosive knocks in the 2021 T20 World Cup, particularly his unbeaten blitz against Afghanistan, remain defining moments of Pakistan’s campaign that year.
Known for his ability to clear boundaries under pressure, Asif became Pakistan’s go-to power-hitter in crunch situations, often turning games around in the dying overs.
What’s Next for the Power-Hitter?
Asif has not announced his plans beyond international cricket, but given his style and experience, franchise T20 leagues could be a natural next chapter. His departure also signals a transition phase for Pakistan cricket, which is still searching for consistent late-order hitters.
While his international run ends here, Asif leaves behind a legacy of grit and big-game temperament—a reminder that numbers alone rarely tell a player’s full story.
