Pakistan’s power-hitter Asif Ali has officially stepped away from international cricket, closing a six-year chapter marked by flashes of brilliance and clutch late-innings fireworks.
The 33-year-old confirmed his decision on September 1 through social media, thanking fans and the Pakistan Cricket Board for what he called “the greatest honour” of his life — donning the national jersey.
A Career Built on Explosive Cameos
Debuting in 2018, Asif represented Pakistan in 21 ODIs and 58 T20Is, amassing 959 runs across formats. Though he never locked down a permanent spot in the XI, his reputation as a lower-order finisher was cemented by his strike rates: 133.87 in T20Is and 121.65 in ODIs.
His defining moment came at the 2021 T20 World Cup when Pakistan needed 24 runs from 12 balls against Afghanistan. Asif took matters into his own hands, hammering four sixes off Karim Janat in a single over to seal victory with six balls to spare — a performance etched into Pakistan’s T20 folklore.
A year later, he again showcased his big-hitting credentials at the 2022 Asia Cup, scoring a quick-fire 16 off eight balls in a last-over thriller against India.
Final Bow and Future Plans
Asif’s last international outing was at the 2023 Asian Games, while his final major tournament appearance came in the high-profile clash against India at the MCG during the 2022 T20 World Cup.
Although his international career ended without centuries or a permanent role in the batting lineup, Asif’s explosive cameos often swung momentum in Pakistan’s favour. He now plans to continue playing franchise and domestic cricket worldwide.
“I retire with immense gratitude and look forward to sharing my love for the game through leagues across the globe,” he wrote.
Quick Career Snapshot
| Format | Matches | Runs | Avg | Strike Rate | 50s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20Is | 58 | 577 | 15.18 | 133.87 | 0 | 37 |
| ODIs | 21 | 382 | 25.46 | 121.65 | 3 | 21 |
Asif Ali’s name may not feature in Pakistan’s batting records alongside legends, but his fearless approach made him a fan favorite in high-pressure moments — the kind of batter teams call upon when the game is on the line.
