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Former Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed on Sunday announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing down curtain on a fine career including one of Pakistan’s most memorable ICC wins ever.
The wicketkeeper-batter confirmed retirement through a statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). His last game for the national team was a Test match against Australia in Perth back in December 2023.
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Champions Trophy triumph remains the career highlight
Sarfaraz will always be remembered for leading Pakistan to that famous victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017. Beating arch-rivals India in the final was something special, still one of the team’s biggest white-ball moments that fans talk about.
Before that he had also captained the country to win the ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup in 2006, one of those rare players who lifted ICC trophies at both junior and senior level.
Looking back on his journey, Sarfaraz said captaining Pakistan in all formats and winning those global tournaments are moments he will cherish forever.
“I could never have dreamt of captaining Pakistan across all three formats and winning the Under 19 World Cup plus the Champions Trophy. Those memories are just unforgettable for me,” he said.
Over 6000 runs across formats
The Karachi-born cricketer played 54 Tests, 117 ODIs and 61 T20Is for Pakistan, scoring more than 6000 international runs in total during his career.
Apart from batting contributions, everyone knew him for that energetic keeping behind the stumps and his loud vocal leadership on the field. He also captained Pakistan in total 100 international matches across formats.
Coaching role could be next step
Some sources are saying Sarfaraz’s retirement might open doors for a long-term role with the national side. PCB is apparently thinking about him for the head coach position of the Test team.
That spot has been empty since they ended Azhar Mahmood’s interim stint last year. Sarfaraz, who turns 39 this May, has already started working in development stuff—he got appointed as mentor and manager for Pakistan’s Under 19 and Shaheens squads recently.
