Pakistan batter Asif Ali has called time on his international career, confirming the decision in a social media post on Monday.
Ali, who made his debut in 2018, represented Pakistan in 21 ODIs and 58 T20Is, scoring 959 runs across both formats.
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“Today, I announce my retirement from international cricket,” his post read. “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.”
Known for his role as a finisher, Ali brought firepower to Pakistan’s middle order with strike rates of 133.87 in T20Is and 121.65 in ODIs. His most memorable performance came at the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 against Afghanistan, when he smashed four sixes in the penultimate over off Karim Janat to take Pakistan home with 25 runs off just 7 balls. The knock proved crucial in Pakistan’s journey to the semi-finals.
Ali delivered another decisive cameo in the 2022 Asia Cup, striking an 8-ball 16 in a tense chase against India to help Pakistan hunt down 182 in the final over.
The 33-year-old last appeared for Pakistan at the 2023 Asian Games, with his previous outing coming in the dramatic 2022 T20 World Cup clash against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
“I retire with immense gratitude, and will continue to share my passion for the game by playing domestic and league cricket worldwide,” Ali added.