Pakistan Test batter Asad Shafiq has officially announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, citing a decline in his passion for the game. The 37-year-old announced on Sunday, following his team's victory in the National T20 Cup. Shafiq's decision comes after a period of struggle with his passion and fitness levels. After his retirement, he is set to join the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as a national selector.
Asad Shafiq was a key player in the Pakistan Test batting line-up from 2010 to 2020, scoring 4660 runs in 77 games with an average of 38.19, including 12 centuries and 27 fifties. He recently announced his retirement from all forms of cricket and is set to become a selector for the Pakistan team.
“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,” he told a press conference after leading Karachi Whites to the National T20 Championship title.
He also expressed that he never felt pressured to make decisions in his international cricket career and always did what he believed was best for the team. In his statement, he emphasized his commitment to the game and the importance of maintaining a strong batting lineup in Test cricket. After his retirement, Shafiq is set to join the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as a national selector. He also expressed his pride in being part of the Pakistan team under Misbah ul Haq, which contributed to cleaning the image of Pakistan cricket. "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 in our team".
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