Asif Ali announces retirement from international cricket

[SherWaqar]

Don’t smile that it is over. Cry that it happened.

One of the worst players to ever play for Pakistan. The clowns who are glorifying him based on 2-3 knocks are conveniently forgetting that he has lost Pakistan at least 10x more matches with his pathetic batting.

These are the type of cricketers some Pakistan cricket fans are celebrating. Such is now the low levels. Sad really.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

His innings against Afghanistan and New Zealand in the 2021 T20 World Cup were quite memorable. But other than that, not much to write home about. He was not a good player, in any format.

 

[Mamoon]

These are the type of cricketers some Pakistan cricket fans are celebrating. Such is now the low levels. Sad really.

To be celebrated in Pakistan today, you have to make sure you don’t score any runs. If you do your job as a batsman and score runs, you will be called selfish and a milestone hunter. If you throw your wicket away, you will be called a team player.

 

[Mamoon]

whom you find worse among Asif Ali and M Haris? And why?

Both are really rubbish. It is hard to separate them, but Asif was much more likable because he didn’t have a big mouth.

Haris talks like a world class player and then fails to walk the talk.

 

[cricketAXEpert]

Well he was limited. But to be fair, Asif never pretended to be someone else. He was like from the first day he started playing first class.

I actually watched his debut t20 game for Faisalabad Wolves where he scored a debut 100. He got into the team and Pakistan required him to hit like he used to.

Its true, he ended up playing too many games and didnt deserve, but Asif never complained. We had similar garbage players like Umar Akmal, Ahmad Shezad, Imran Nazir, Azam Khan etc that complained during their whole careers about batting numbers whenever they didnt perform, or would blame their captains.

Asif was a team player, and thats why he ended up playing more than 70 games. You send him at no.7 or 8, guy didnt complain, waited for his turn. He knew he was a 2 over player.

He came from poverty, so a guy like that ended up representing Pakistan and that to with dignity is an achievement.

So saying good riddance doesnt seem right. He represented Pakistan with dignity, did not spot fix like Amir, or took drugs like Akhtar, or have pedophilia cases like Yasir. No showsha, he would quietly come in, bat his way and just like that has quietly hanged his boots.

I know his life story, he came from poverty and didn't let the fame get to his head. But he could have made good money playing T20 leagues (which I believe he will do, or make a name for himself in domestic cricket). But that is no reason to select the wrong player. He cost Pakistan many matches. Especially that Australia match in world cup 2019. Had we won that match we would have qualified for Semi finals. And Pakistan had come into terrific form at the later stages, who knows how far we had gone. I was Against Asif Ali's selection back in 2019, but he got selected and ruined a crucial match. He disappointed time and again, he wasn't an international level player. Ahmed Shehzad averaged 40 in test cricket but he could not compete with a Parachi (Shan Masood, who averaged much less). Look discipline and character comes after, first you have to be an international level cricketer to be even considered. Otherwise we should simply take Madrassah boys into our team and forget about ability and Talent.

 

[BouncerGuy]

TBH, I will still take him over Mohammad Haris type tullas...

 

[BouncerGuy]

Super 60, here he comes.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1963332060451311924

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Lahore Qalandars Batter Asif Ali Media Talk at LCCA Ground, Lahore

On Competition and Team Goals

Asif: "No team in this tournament can be considered "small." Every side is talented and the most important thing is that the quality of cricket remains high. Ultimately, the team that performs better on the day will come out on top. Regarding titles every team dreams of winning and having been a champion last year the goal remains the same: to be a champion again."

On Batting Position and Team Role

Asif: "Whether it is for Lahore or Pakistan, I have always played where the team needs me. My batting position is entirely dependent on the team combination. I am happy to play in any role assigned to me by the management, as franchise cricket is all about fitting into the specific needs of the squad."

On Retirement and a Potential International Comeback

Asif: "I am still very much active in cricket. As long as I maintain my fitness, I will continue to play. My job is to perform on the field. We saw retired players return to the national side during the 2023 World Cup; similarly, if Pakistan needs me and requires my services again I am ready to step up."

On the Difference Between Islamabad and Lahore

Asif: "I received a lot of love and support during my time in Islamabad, which was crucial for my career. However at Lahore I discovered a different approach to coaching. It doesn't feel like there is a "head coach" in the traditional, rigid sense; instead, it feels like a family. The coaching staff is there to support you rather than just dictate. I’ve played in leagues all over the world, but this specific family-like atmosphere is something I haven't found elsewhere."

On His Iconic Celebrations

Asif: "To be honest, those moments are never planned; they just happen in the heat of the moment. I didn't sit down and think about a specific celebration before hitting sixes—it was just a natural reaction that people happened to enjoy. I don't have anything new pre-planned; I’ll just let the moment decide."