Pakistan’s batsman Asif Ali has announced his retirement from international cricket. The 33-year-old cricketer said that despite his retirement from international cricket, he will continue to play domestic cricket and franchise leagues.
In an emotional message on social media, Asif Ali said, “Wearing the Pakistan jersey was the greatest pride of my life, and playing for the country was the most honorable chapter.”
In his farewell message, he added, “I express my heartfelt gratitude for this journey. I will continue to play domestic and league cricket with the love for cricket.”
Asif made his international debut in a T20I against the West Indies in 2018. That same year, he caught the eye with his brilliant performance for Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He won the team with three consecutive sixes in the final, from there he was called up to the national team.
He played 21 ODIs and 58 T20Is for Pakistan. He mainly batted as a ‘finisher’ in the middle order. However, many times he did not get the opportunity to bat at the right time, due to which many believe that his potential was not fully developed. In T20Is, he played an average of only 7 balls per innings, which means that he was often sent late.
The most memorable innings of Asif’s career was against Afghanistan in the 2021 T20 World Cup. Pakistan needed 24 runs in 2 overs. He scored 25 runs in just seven balls, including four huge sixes in the 19th over! This innings took Pakistan to the semi-finals.
A year later, Asif shone again against India in the Asia Cup. He took the team to the final with a stormy innings of 16 runs in 8 balls. But then the decline began. In the 2022 World Cup, he was out of the team, and lost his form. Asif became a thing of the past amid the rise of young hard hitters. He played his last match for the national team against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. He was then part of Pakistan’s second-string team at the 2023 Asian Games.
FAQ
Who is Asif Ali?
Asif Ali is a Pakistani cricketer known for his big-hitting ability in T20Is and ODIs, especially as a finisher.
When did Asif Ali announce his retirement from international cricket?
Asif Ali announced his retirement in September 2025 through an emotional message on social media.
Will Asif Ali completely stop playing cricket?
No. While retiring from international cricket, Asif Ali confirmed he will continue playing domestic cricket and franchise leagues worldwide.
What was Asif Ali’s most memorable performance for Pakistan?
His most memorable knock came in the 2021 T20 World Cup against Afghanistan, where he smashed four sixes in one over to win the match.
How many matches did Asif Ali play for Pakistan?
Asif Ali represented Pakistan in 21 ODIs and 58 T20Is between 2018 and 2023.
