Pakistan’s renowned Test batter, Asad Shafiq announced time on his international cricket career on Sunday. After leading Karachi Whites to the National T20 Championship title, he announced his retirement from all formats with a heavy heart.
“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,” said Shafiq.
Asad Shaqid was an integral cog in Pakistan’s batting line between 2010 and 2020. He enjoyed playing under the leadership of Misbah Ul Haq- a period when Pakistan was going through a tumultuous period due to the spot-fixing scandal.
“After the spot-fixing scandal in 2010, it was a very difficult time for Pakistan cricket and I am happy I was part of that process where we won back the confidence of the people. Our team,” Shafiq added.
Shafiq played his first Test for Pakistan on 20th November 2010 against South Africa at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. His first Test century came against Bangladesh in the opening Test in December 2011. He played his last Test match for Pakistan on 21st August 2020 against England.
“After being dropped in 2020 I kept on playing domestic cricket for three years yes 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.”
Asad Shafiq leaves behind an illustrious career
In his illustrious career, Asad Shafiq played 77 Test matches, managing 4660 runs at an average of 38.19. He has 12 centuries and 27 half-centuries to his name in the longest format.
The 37-year-old boasts of an outstanding first-class career, where he has managed 10,641 runs at an average of 40.46. During the press conference, he also confirmed that he was poised to sign the contract of a paid national selector with the Pakistan Cricket Board.
“I have got the contract from the board and I am looking at it, it will be processed soon.”
Pakistan Cricket Team is, currently, in Australia, preparing for the upcoming three-match Test series against Australia. The first Test match starts on 14th December in Perth.
Also Read: Holder, Pooran, Mayers reject West Indies central contracts
