Lahore – Pakistan’s hard-hitting middle-order batter Asif Ali has officially called time on his international cricket career, closing the curtain on a journey defined by grit, explosive batting, and moments of sheer brilliance under pressure.

The 33-year-old made the announcement on Monday through a heartfelt Instagram post, describing his years in the green jersey as the most cherished period of his life. “Today, I announce my retirement from international cricket. Alhamdulillah, wearing the Pakistan jersey has been the greatest honour of my life, and serving my country on the cricket field will forever remain my proudest chapter,” Asif wrote.

In an emotional note, he thanked teammates, coaches, and fans for standing by him during both triumphs and setbacks. He also paid tribute to his family for their unwavering support, particularly during the devastating loss of his young daughter during the World Cup. “Your strength carried me forward,” he said.

Over the course of his career, Asif Ali represented Pakistan in 58 T20Is and 21 ODIs, scoring 959 runs, including three half-centuries. Known for his ability to change the course of a match with his aggressive stroke play, Asif played a vital role in Pakistan’s 2021 T20 World Cup campaign, where his quick-fire cameos against New Zealand and Afghanistan proved decisive in steering the team into the semifinals.

Asif’s departure marks the end of an era for Pakistan cricket, as fans bid farewell to a player who often delivered when the stakes were at their highest.