Sarfaraz Ahmed says quitting int'l cricket to be his 'personal decision'

RAWALPINDI: Amid growing speculation about his potential retirement from international cricket following previous comments, former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed clarified on Monday that the decision to retire would be a "personal choice" and that he is still active in the game for now.

Sarfaraz, who is currently mentoring the Faheem Ashraf-led Dolphins in the ongoing Champions T20 Cup, had earlier made remarks about his future, suggesting that there was "nothing left to say." 

“Look, as far as my career is concerned, I think there’s nothing left to say. I know what you are waiting for, and it will happen soon,” Sarfaraz had said earlier.

However, in an exclusive interview with Geo News, the 37-year-old wicketkeeper-batter clarified that he is still playing and is open to opportunities, regardless of his selection for the national team.

“Yes, I said ‘nothing is left to say’ the other day. Look, I am still playing cricket and will take whatever opportunity comes my way,” Sarfaraz explained.

He emphasized that he never insisted on a specific batting position during his time in the Pakistan team. “If I could be selected [for the national team], I would be. But regarding my retirement, that is a personal decision. When I feel it is time to quit cricket, I will,” he added.

Sarfaraz Ahmed, who made his international debut for Pakistan in 2007, has represented the national team in 54 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 61 T20Is, scoring 6164 runs with six centuries and 32 fifties.

He captained Pakistan to their historic ICC Men’s Champions Trophy victory in 2017, defeating India in the final by 180 runs. Additionally, Sarfaraz led Pakistan to 11 consecutive T20I series wins, a record for any Pakistan captain.

His last appearance for Pakistan came in a Test series against Australia last year, where he scored seven runs in the opening match before being dropped from the side. His most recent white-ball appearance for Pakistan was in November 2021.