Sarfaraz Ahmed Announces Retirement From International Cricket After Two Decades

Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed announced his retirement from international cricket on Sunday, bringing an end to a career that lasted almost two decades.

The wicketkeeper batter represented Pakistan national cricket team in all three formats of the game. He played 54 Tests, 117 One Day Internationals and 61 Twenty20 Internationals.

Across formats, Sarfaraz scored 6,164 runs, which included six centuries and 35 half centuries. Behind the stumps, he recorded 315 catches and completed 56 stumpings.

Sarfaraz captained Pakistan in 100 international matches across formats, including 50 ODIs, 37 T20Is and 13 Tests. Under his leadership, Pakistan reached the No.1 ranking in T20I cricket.

The biggest achievement of his career came during the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 when he led Pakistan to their first title in the tournament. Pakistan defeated India national cricket team by 180 runs in the final at The Oval in England.

Sarfaraz had earlier led Pakistan to victory in the ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup 2006 held in Sri Lanka, where the team defeated India by 38 runs in the final.

Reflecting on his career, Sarfaraz thanked his teammates, coaches, fans and family for their support.

“It has been the greatest honour of my life to represent Pakistan. From leading the U19 team to a world title in 2006 to lifting the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017, every moment in Pakistan colours has been special. I am grateful to my teammates, coaches, family and the fans for their unwavering support throughout my career,” he said.

“Captaining Pakistan across all formats was a dream come true. I always tried to play fearless cricket and build a united team. Seeing players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali and others grow into match winners during my captaincy is one of my proudest achievements.

“I would like to thank the Pakistan Cricket Board for the trust they placed in me over the years. Pakistan cricket has always been very close to my heart and I will continue to support the game in every possible way,” he added.

Sarfaraz made his senior debut in 2007 in an ODI against India. His final appearance for Pakistan came in a Test match against Australia national cricket team in Perth in 2023.