By ABDULLAH 
In a moment that has sparked conversations across cricket circles worldwide, AB de Villiers, one of modern cricket’s most iconic figures, has named Pakistan’s Mohammad Asif in his all-time World XI — a rare and powerful recognition for a player whose brilliance has often been overshadowed by controversy.
The announcement came during the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, where the former South African skipper is leading the South Africa Champions squad. While de Villiers’ lineup was filled with legends — including Shane Warne, MS Dhoni, and Ricky Ponting — the inclusion of Mohammad Asif stood out as a surprise selection that few saw coming.
In his explanation, AB de Villiers praised Asif’s unparalleled control, seam movement, and the ability to swing the ball both ways, placing him in the elite company of fast-bowling greats. He chose Asif to share the new ball with Australia’s fiery Mitchell Johnson — a pace duo both feared and admired in equal measure.
This is not the first time de Villiers has publicly acknowledged Asif’s mastery. The South African great has often described him as one of the toughest bowlers he ever faced, backing it up with stats — Asif dismissed de Villiers five times during his international career, thrice in Tests and twice in ODIs. The average? A shocking 8.7 runs per dismissal in Tests, a number that speaks volumes considering AB’s greatness with the bat.
The complete XI is nothing short of legendary:
- Openers: Graeme Smith (SA), Matthew Hayden (AUS)
- Top Order: Ricky Ponting (AUS), Virat Kohli (IND), Steve Smith (AUS), Kane Williamson (NZ)
- Wicketkeeper: MS Dhoni (IND)
- Bowlers: Mitchell Johnson (AUS), Mohammad Asif (PAK), Shane Warne (AUS), Muttiah Muralitharan (SL)
- 12th Man: Glenn McGrath (AUS)
Notably, de Villiers left out any all-rounders, instead opting for pure specialists. Surprisingly, no players from England or the West Indies made it into his XI — a decision that has already stirred debate among fans and analysts alike.
Though Mohammad Asif’s career was derailed by off-field controversies, cricketing purists have never forgotten his genius. This nod from AB de Villiers serves as a powerful reminder of what the game lost — but also what it cherished while it lasted. Many batters from the mid-2000s, including legends like Rahul Dravid and Hashim Amla, have described facing Asif as a near-impossible task.
In a sport where numbers often dictate legacy, being remembered for one’s craft — especially by one of the game’s greatest — might just be the highest honor.
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