Sarfaraz Ahmed Announces Retirement, Ends Memorable Journey With Pakistan

Sarfaraz Ahmed has retired from international cricket with immediate effect. His career lasted almost 20 years, and he is still the last Pakistan captain to win an ICC trophy. Under his leadership, Pakistan won the 2017 Champions Trophy by defeating India in the final. The Karachi-born cricketer had also made his international debut in an ODI against India in Jaipur in November 2007 and ended up playing 54 Tests, 117 ODIs and 61 T20Is for Pakistan.

Internationally, Sarfaraz Ahmed has accumulated 6164 total runs (6 100s & 35 50s), as well as 315 catches & 56 stumpings as the team’s best wicketkeeper. He was captain for 100 international matches being 50 ODIs, 37 T20Is, and 13 Tests. Under his captaincy, Pakistan achieved a No. 1 T20I ranking and set a new record by winning 11 consecutive series in T20 cricket. Sarfaraz received the Pride of Performance Award (from Pakistan) in 2018, making him the youngest recipient of this award while being captain of a national team.

Sarfaraz Ahmed announces retirement from international cricket

Sarfaraz Ahmed said that every moment in the Pakistan jersey was special for him. He also thanked the Pakistan Cricket Board for trusting him with the captaincy and called it a dream come true.

"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," Sarfaraz 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," Sarfaraz said.

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by Dwijesh March 13, 2026