Pakistan's Champions Trophy Winning Star Player announces Retirement

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Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed announced his retirement from international cricket on March 15, 2026, bringing an end to a distinguished career spanning nearly two decades.

The wicketkeeper-batter, who last played for Pakistan in a Test match against Australia in Perth in December 2023, made the announcement via a statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Sarfaraz made his international debut in an ODI against India in 2007 and went on to represent Pakistan in 54 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 61 T20Is. He amassed 6,164 runs across formats, including six centuries and 35 half-centuries. As a keeper, he effected 315 catches and 56 stumpings. He captained Pakistan in 100 matches, guiding the team to the No. 1 T20I ranking at one point.

His most celebrated achievement came in 2017, when he led Pakistan to a historic ICC Champions Trophy victory, defeating arch-rivals India in the final, a triumph that remains one of the nation's proudest moments in white-ball cricket. Earlier, he captained the U19 side to the World Cup title in 2006.

In his retirement statement, Sarfaraz expressed deep gratitude.He thanked the PCB for their trust over the years and affirmed his continued commitment to Pakistani cricket in other capacities.

"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. I am grateful to my teammates, coaches, family, and the fans for their unwavering support," he 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," he added.