Sarfaraz Ahmed Clarifies His Stance on Retirement

• Sarfaraz Ahmed clarified that he is still active in cricket, regardless of his national team selection status.
• Ahmed has a successful cricket career, representing Pakistan in 54 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 61 T20Is.
• Sarfaraz’s last appearance for Pakistan was in a test series against Australia last year.

RAWALPINDI: Former Pakistan cricket captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has addressed rumors regarding his potential retirement, emphasizing that the decision to step away from international cricket will be entirely his “personal decision.”

Sarfaraz’s clarification came after his recent comments sparked speculation about his future in cricket. Currently mentoring the Faheem Ashraf-led Dolphins in the Champions T20 Cup, Sarfaraz had previously remarked, “There is nothing left to say,” which many interpreted as a hint at his retirement.

During an interview, the 37-year-old wicketkeeper-batter confirmed that he is still actively playing cricket, regardless of his selection status in the national team.

“Yes, I said ‘nothing is left to say’ the other day. Look, I am still playing cricket and will avail whatever opportunity I get,” Sarfaraz explained. “As far as leaving cricket is concerned, that is my personal decision. When I feel that I should quit cricket, I will quit.”

Sarfaraz, who debuted for Pakistan in 2007, has had an illustrious career, representing the national team in 54 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 61 T20Is, amassing 6,164 runs, including six centuries and 32 half-centuries.

Notably, he captained Pakistan to their maiden ICC Champions Trophy win in 2017, defeating arch-rivals India in the final. Sarfaraz also holds the record for leading Pakistan to 11 consecutive T20I series victories, the most by any Pakistani captain.

His last appearance for Pakistan came during a Test series against Australia last year, while his last white-ball game was in November 2021.