Ex-Pakistani skipper who broke India’s heart in 2017 retires: Champions Trophy hero Sarfraz Ahmed bows out

The Karachi-born wicketkeeper-batter represented Pakistan across all three formats, playing 54 Tests, 117 ODIs and 61 T20Is. Over the course of his career, he scored 6,164 international runs, including six centuries and 35 half-centuries. Behind the stumps, he registered 315 catches and effected 56 stumpings.

Sarfraz captained Pakistan in 100 international matches across formats — 50 ODIs, 37 T20Is and 13 Tests — and led the side to the No. 1 ranking in T20I cricket.

Under his leadership, Pakistan achieved a world-record streak of 11 consecutive T20I series victories and completed six clean sweeps against West Indies national cricket team (2016 and 2018), Sri Lanka national cricket team (2017), Australia national cricket team (2018), New Zealand national cricket team (2018) and Scotland national cricket team (2018).

Sarfraz made his international debut in an ODI in 2007 and played his final international match — a Test — against Australia national cricket team in Perth in 2023.

Speaking about his decision in a statement issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board, the former Test captain said, “It has been the greatest honour of my life to represent Pakistan. From leading the U-19 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 throughout my career.”

He added, “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 and Hasan Ali grow into match-winners during my captaincy is one of my proudest achievements.”