Sarfaraz Ahmed retires from international cricket days after landing role in Pakistan's revamped selection panel

Sarfaraz Ahmed registered 6164 runs across different formats, including six tons and 35 half-centuries.

Updated on: Mar 15, 2026, 22:53:04 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Former Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed announced his retirement from international cricket on Sunday. The wicketkeeper-batter captained Pakistan in 100 international matches across formats. He is currently part of PCB's revamped four-member men's selection committee.

Pakistan's Sarfaraz Ahmed announced his retirement from international cricket. (AP)

He made his ODI debut against India in 2007 and had to wait 3 years to feature in his first Test match, against Australia in 2010. Then, he made his T20I debut against England. He featured in 54 Tests, 117 ODIs and 61 T20Is.

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He registered 6164 runs across different formats, including six tons and 35 half-centuries. As a wicketkeeper, he held 315 catches and had 56 stumpings.

In a statement, he said, “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.”

The best moment of his captaincy was leading Pakistan to the 2017 Champions Trophy, defeating arch-rivals India in the final. He was also the skipper when Pakistan won the U19 World Cup in 2006.

“Captaining Pakistan across all formats was a dream come true,” he said in his statement.

“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.”

He captained Pakistan to 11 consecutive T20I series victories, including clean sweeps over the West Indies, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand and Scotland.

“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,” he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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