Pakistan Test batter Asad Shafiq has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. The 37-year-old made the announcement press conference after leading Karachi Whites to the National T20 Championship title.
“I am not feeling the same excitement and passion playing cricket and neither do I have the same fitness levels required for international cricket. Which is why I have decided to say goodbye to all cricket,” Shafiq said.
The former Pakistan Test batter, who holds the record for most Test hundreds at number 6, is anticipated to become a national selector.
Shafiq’s retirement unfolded after a triumphant stint as captain for the Karachi Whites, securing the National T20 title by defeating Abbottabad in a thrilling final in Karachi. Despite agreeing to participate in three games for SNGPL (Sui Northern Gas Pipelines) in the upcoming Patron’s Trophy, the T20 final marked his final farewell to the sport.
Having played his last of 77 Tests for Pakistan in 2020, almost a decade after his debut, Shafiq remained active in the domestic circuit. However, a diminishing excitement for the game led to his decision to retire.
Asad Shafiq’s key role in Pakistan’s No. 1 Test ranking:
A key figure in the Misbah-ul-Haq Test side during the 2010s, Shafiq played a pivotal role in propelling Pakistan to the summit of the Test rankings in August 2016. Debuting in England in 2010, he formed an integral part of the middle order alongside stalwarts Misbah, Younis Khan, and Azhar Ali.
Thriving in the white jersey, Shafiq amassed an impressive 4460 runs in 77 Tests, boasting an average of 38.19. With 12 centuries and 27 fifties to his name, Sahfiq contributed largely to Pakistan’s success. Despite being dropped in 2020, Shafiq continued playing domestic cricket in the hope of a national team recall. However, having been overlooked, he bid adieu to the professional cricketing arena.
“After being dropped in 2020 I kept on playing domestic cricket for three years in the hope of getting another crack at the Pakistan team. But before the start of this season, I had decided this would be my last season because I felt that closing in on 38 years of age this was time to retire instead of people telling me to step down.” Shafiq added.
In a significant development, Shafiq’s name has emerged as a potential addition to the selection panel following Salman Butt’s removal.
“I have got the contract from the board, and I am looking at it, and hopefully, it will be processed soon,” Shafiq revealed.
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