Karachi: Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed announced his retirement from international cricket on Sunday, ending a career that saw him lead the national team in 100 matches across formats.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Sarfaraz expressed gratitude towards the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for their support throughout his career. “I would like to thank the Pakistan Cricket Board for the trust they placed in me over the years,” Sarfaraz said in a statement. “Pakistan cricket has always been close to my heart, and I will continue to support the game in every possible way.” Despite his retirement, the PCB has included him in the revamped four-member men’s selection committee following the disappointing T20 World Cup.
Sarfaraz made his One Day International (ODI) debut against India in 2007, followed by his first Test appearance against Australia in 2010, and his T20 debut against England in Dubai. Throughout his career, he scored 6,164 runs, including six centuries and 35 fifties. He represented Pakistan in 54 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 61 T20s. As a wicketkeeper, he held 315 catches and executed 56 stumpings.
During his nearly two-decade-long career, Sarfaraz led Pakistan to significant victories, including the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy triumph and the 2006 U-19 World Cup title. He holds the national record of 10 catches in a Test and remains the only Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter to score an ODI century at Lord’s. Reflecting on his leadership role, he said, “Captaining Pakistan was a dream come true,” and expressed pride in mentoring players like Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman. His final international appearance was a Test against Australia in Perth in 2023.