Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed quits international cricket

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed retired from international cricket on Sunday after leading the country in 100 international matches across multiple formats.

“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 very close to my heart and I will continue to support the game in every possible way.”

The PCB has already included Sarfaraz in the revamped four-member men’s selection committee after the disappointing T20 World Cup in which the team failed to make it to the semifinals.

Sarfaraz made his one-day international debut against archrival India in 2007, but had to wait for three years before playing his first test match against Australia at Hobart in 2010, which was followed by his first Twenty20 appearance against England at Dubai.

Sarfaraz scored 6,164 runs across multiple formats including six centuries and 35 half-centuries. He represented Pakistan in 54 test matches, 117 ODIs and 61 T20s. As a wicketkeeper, he held 315 catches and had 56 stumpings.

During his almost two-decade long international career, Sarfaraz led Pakistan to the Champions Trophy title in 2017 after beating India in the final. He also captained Pakistan to the Under-19 World Cup title in 2006.

Sarfaraz captained Pakistan to 11 consecutive series victories in T20s that included clean sweeps against the West Indies, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand and Scotland.

“Captaining Pakistan across all formats was a dream come true,” Sarfaraz said. “I always tried to play fearless cricket and build a united team. Seeing players like Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman … and others grow into match-winners during my captaincy is one of my proudest achievements.”

Sarfaraz also holds the Pakistan record of 10 catches in a test matches, which he took against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2019. He is also the only Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter to score an ODI century at Lord’s against England in 2016. His last international appearance came against Australia in a test match at Perth in 2023.

“It has been the greatest honor of my life to represent Pakistan,” he said. “From leading the U-19 team to a world title in 2006 to lifting the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017, every moment in Pakistan colors has been special. I am grateful to my teammates, coaches, family and the fans for their unwavering support throughout my career.”

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