Pakistani middle-order batter Asif Ali, famous for his fearless six-hitting ability, has officially announced his retirement from international cricket. At just 33 years old, the right-handed power-hitter decided to hang up his boots on the global stage but confirmed that he will continue playing domestic tournaments and T20 franchise leagues worldwide.
The news was shared on his official social media accounts on 1 September 2025, where he expressed gratitude to fans, teammates, and the Pakistan Cricket Board for their support throughout his journey. For him, wearing the green jersey was not just a job, but the biggest honour of his life.
A Quick Look at His Career
- Debut: 2018, against Zimbabwe.
- Matches: 21 ODIs and 58 T20Is.
- Runs: 959 international runs.
- Role: Finisher and big-hitter in the middle order.
- Strike Rate: 121+ in ODIs and 133+ in T20Is.
Asif Ali was never a player who built long innings. Instead, his value came in short, explosive knocks that often turned games in Pakistan’s favour.
Memorable Performances
Asif’s career is remembered for some breathtaking cameos in high-pressure situations:
- T20 World Cup 2021 – Against Afghanistan, Asif smashed 25 runs off just 7 balls, including four sixes in one over. This knock turned a tense chase into a comfortable win.
- Asia Cup 2022 – Versus India, he scored a quick-fire 16 runs from 8 balls, helping Pakistan win in the final over. His calmness under pressure made him a match-winner on several occasions.
Such innings proved why selectors always kept faith in him, even when critics questioned his consistency.
Struggles and Strength
Asif’s cricketing journey wasn’t only about sixes and celebrations. He faced tough challenges in life, including the tragic loss of his young daughter during an important cricketing phase. Despite this heartbreaking setback, he continued representing Pakistan with courage, earning respect from fans and fellow players worldwide.
Final Days in International Cricket
Although his last major T20I came in the 2022 T20 World Cup clash against India, Asif represented Pakistan at the 2023 Asian Games, which turned out to be his final international assignment. After that, his appearances became limited, and finally in 2025, he decided it was time to step aside.
Life After Retirement
Asif Ali has clarified that while his international journey is over, he is not done with cricket. Fans will continue to see him in various T20 leagues such as the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and other global tournaments. With his hitting skills, he still has plenty to offer in franchise cricket.
Career in Numbers (Summary)
| Format | Matches | Runs | Strike Rate | Best Knocks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 21 | 382 | 121.65 | 51 (vs Zimbabwe) |
| T20Is | 58 | 577 | 133.87 | 25* off 7 (vs Afghanistan, 2021 WC) |
Conclusion
Asif Ali may not have the biggest numbers in Pakistan cricket, but he had something unique—the ability to finish matches when it mattered most. His fearless style, combined with his calmness in crunch situations, made him one of Pakistan’s most reliable finishers in modern T20 cricket.
While the international chapter of his career is closed, fans will still get to see the same fireworks in franchise leagues around the world. Pakistan cricket will surely miss a player who could change the game with just a few swings of the bat.
Read other articles;https://battingfirst.com/rcb-vs-pbks-dream11-prediction/ Battingfirst.com
