Asad Shafiq Announces Retirement From All Forms of Cricket to Become Pakistan Selector

Lahore: Pakistan batsman Asad Shafiq, 37, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket due to a waning passion for the game and diminished fitness levels. Shafiq, a key figure in the national team’s Test batting lineup from 2010 to 2020, accumulated 4,660 runs in 77 games with an average of 38.19, including 12 centuries and 27 fifties.

In a press conference following his leadership of Karachi Whites to the National T20 Championship title, Shafiq revealed his decision and expressed his excitement about becoming a national selector for the Pakistan Cricket Board. He acknowledged the challenge of the new role and affirmed his commitment to staying involved in the sport.

Shafiq, known for maintaining a clean and non-controversial image throughout his career, highlighted that he had never succumbed to external pressures in his international cricket decisions. After being dropped in 2020, he continued playing domestic cricket for three years, hoping for another chance with the national team but decided to retire before this season, recognizing the right time at nearly 38 years old.

Proud of his contribution to the Pakistan team’s image restoration under Misbah-ul-Haq post the 2010 spot-fixing scandal, Shafiq emphasized the challenging period for Pakistan cricket and expressed satisfaction in winning back people’s confidence.

Addressing the question of regional bias in player selection, Shafiq, without outright denial, indirectly suggested the existence of a tendency to select players based on personal preferences in Pakistan cricket.