Pakistan’s veteran Test cricketer, Asad Shafiq, has officially announced his retirement from international cricket, marking the end of an illustrious career.
Shafiq played his final match at the National Stadium on Sunday, where, under his captaincy, Karachi Whites secured victory in the National T20 Cup final, adding a touch of glory to his farewell.
After the match, Shafiq was lavishly bid adieu by his fellow cricketers in a grand farewell ceremony on the ground. The 37-year-old, who has been a stalwart of Pakistan cricket, will now transition into a new role as a selection consultant for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Asad Shafiq leaves behind a remarkable legacy, having represented the Pakistan cricket team in 77 Tests, 60 ODIs, and 10 T20 matches since making his international debut in 2010 in an ODI against Bangladesh. His Test career boasts an impressive record of 12 centuries and 27 half-centuries, while he notched up 9 half-centuries in ODIs.
In the Test arena, Shafiq amassed a total of 4,660 runs, while contributing 1,336 runs in ODIs and 192 runs in T20 Internationals. Notably, he holds the distinction of scoring the most centuries while playing at the number six position, showcasing his versatility and batting prowess.
Despite his cricketing feats, Shafiq faced challenges in recent years and has not secured a place in the national team since 2020. However, his contributions to Pakistan cricket will be remembered, and his expertise will continue to influence the game in his new role as a selection consultant for the PCB. Asad Shafiq’s retirement marks the end of an era, leaving fans and cricket enthusiasts to reminisce about the remarkable innings played by the cricket maestro.
