"It obviously hurts to…" - Sarfaraz Ahmed drops retirement bombshell ahead of PSL 2025

Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has opened up about his retirement from international cricket ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025 season. The wicketkeeper batter admitted that it’s difficult to be away from cricket, adding that he will only retire when he personally feels the time is right.

Sarfaraz has not played for the Pakistan team since December 2023. The 37-year-old cricketer took over the role of Team Director for Quetta Gladiators, which sparked speculation about his retirement. Notably, Sarfaraz has been associated with the Gladiators since the start of the Pakistan Super League.

I Haven’t Announced My Retirement Yet - Sarfaraz Ahmed

In an interview with Cricket Pakistan, Sarfaraz Ahmed dismissed rumours about his retirement. Sarfaraz made it clear that he hasn't made any decision to retire from cricket. The former Pakistan captain admitted that he remains hopeful for another opportunity.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

“I haven’t announced my retirement yet,” the former Pakistan captain said.

“When someone has played cricket all their life, it obviously hurts to stay away from the game. There comes a time when every player has to step away from cricket, but I try to make the most of whatever matches I get,” he added.

The PSL 2025 is set to begin on Friday, April 11. The Quetta Gladiators, led by Saud Shakeel, will begin their campaign against Peshawar Zalmi in the second match of the tournament at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on April 12.

I Never Said That I Have to Play for Pakistan - Sarfaraz Ahmed

Sarfaraz hinted at the possibility of returning to professional cricket soon. The former Pakistan captain said that he still hopes of getting another opportunity. Sarfaraz emphasized that he would make that decision himself and announce it openly.

“I still keep some hope alive that maybe I’ll get another chance. I never said that I have to play for Pakistan — of course, it's every player’s dream to represent their country. I just want to perform well in whatever cricket I play and give my 100 percent,” Sarfaraz stated.

“When I feel the moment has arrived, I’ll say it myself — yes, my cricket is over now,” he added.

Sarfaraz Ahmed’s Captaincy Tenure Ended in October 2019

Sarfaraz Ahmed led Pakistan to major successes between 2016 and 2019, including their win over India in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final. Notably, he had also captained the national side to victory in the 2006 U-19 World Cup.

However, he was sacked from captaincy in October 2019 following a string of disappointing performances. He guided the national cricket team to 29 wins out of 37 T20Is and also reached the No. 1 ranking in the format. The team secured 28 wins in 50 ODI matches, finishing with a 58.33% win rate.

Sarfaraz has played 54 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 61 T20Is for Pakistan. The right-handed batter has amassed 6,164 runs with six centuries and 32 fifties. He also holds the record for leading Pakistan to 11 consecutive T20I series wins—the most by any Pakistani captain.

Also read: Ravichandran Ashwin openly revolts against CSK on Youtube, says this for RCB!! Chennai chapter closed?