By ABDULLAH 
Pakistan’s hard-hitting middle-order batter Asif Ali has officially retired from international cricket at the age of 33, bringing an end to a career that spanned seven years, 79 international matches, and countless unforgettable moments.
Confirming the news on his official X (Twitter) account, Asif Ali wrote:
“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. To my fans, teammates and coaches, thank you for your love, belief and support through every high and low.”
Asif played 58 T20 internationals and 21 ODIs for Pakistan from 2018 to 2023, scoring a combined 959 runs across formats. Known for his aggressive batting style and ability to clear the boundary under pressure, Asif carved out a reputation as a power-hitter despite criticism for inconsistency.
- T20 Best Knock: 41* vs Zimbabwe (2018)
- 2021 T20 World Cup: Match-winning 25 runs off 7 balls against Afghanistan, helping Pakistan stay unbeaten in group stages.
- Key Cameos: Blistering strikes against New Zealand and Afghanistan that carried Pakistan to the semi-finals in 2021.
- ODI Stats: 382 runs with 21 sixes, last ODI appearance against Australia in 2022.
- Last Match: Represented Pakistan in the 2023 Asian Games against Bangladesh.
Fans particularly remember his fiery finishing ability in the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup, where his late-hitting rescued Pakistan in crucial games.
Asif Ali’s career was not just about sixes and strike rates. In 2019, he lost his young daughter to cancer just before the World Cup. The tragedy struck a chord with fans who admired his resilience.
In his retirement note, he thanked his family for being his pillar of strength:
“To my family and friends, who stood with me in moments of joy and in the deepest of trials, including the loss of my beloved daughter during the World Cup — your strength carried me forward.”
This human side of Asif Ali made him more than just a cricketer; he became a symbol of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and Pakistan’s T20 vice-captain Shadab Khan were among the first to react.
- Shadab Khan: “Happy retirement to one of the best teammates and a brother. Best wishes for the next chapter, Asif bhai.”
- Sarfaraz Ahmed: “Congratulations on a wonderful international career. You’ve worn the colors with pride and passion. All the best, buddy.”
On social media, hashtags like #AsifAli and #ThankYouAsifAli began trending, with fans sharing clips of his big-hitting innings.
One Karachi-based fan wrote on Facebook: “We criticized him often, but no one can forget his sixes against Afghanistan. Thanks for the memories, Asif bhai.”
Though he has retired from international duties, Asif Ali is expected to continue in franchise cricket, especially in:
- PSL 2025: Rumors link him to Lahore Qalandars, where his finishing could add depth.
- T10 Leagues: His aggressive batting is well-suited for the shortest format.
- Domestic Cricket: Likely to mentor younger players in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and Pakistan Cup.
For fans searching “Asif Ali in PSL 2025” or “Asif Ali Lahore Qalandars,” his presence in domestic and league cricket ensures his six-hitting legacy continues.
Asif Ali wasn’t a classical batter. His role was simple: attack in the death overs.
- Batting Style: Right-handed middle-order power-hitter.
- Strengths: Six-hitting ability, fearless intent.
- Bowling: Occasionally bowled part-time, though rarely used at the international level.
He was often compared to international finishers like Carlos Brathwaite and Kieron Pollard — risky but capable of turning games in a few overs.
Q: What is Asif Ali’s age?
A: Asif Ali was born on October 1, 1991. He is 33 years old in 2025.
Q: Did Asif Ali retire from PSL?
A: No, he retired only from international cricket. He is expected to feature in PSL 2025 and T10 leagues.
Q: What is Asif Ali’s Cricinfo profile?
A: His complete stats are available on ESPN Cricinfo.
Q: What is Asif Ali’s highest T20 score?
A: His highest T20 international score is 41 against Zimbabwe in 2018.
Asif Ali’s international career may not have been filled with centuries, but it was rich in moments that will be remembered by fans forever. From World Cup heroics to his courage in personal tragedy, his journey reflects the highs and lows of Pakistan cricket.
With retirement from internationals, Asif Ali now turns the page, likely focusing on PSL 2025, Lahore Qalandars, and franchise cricket abroad. For fans, his six-hitting power will remain etched in memory.
👉 Whether you loved him or criticized him, Asif Ali gave Pakistan cricket unforgettable memories and for that, he deserves respect.