On Thursday, July 20, cricketer Ayesha Naseem, 18, of Pakistan, shockingly announced her retirement from all formats of the game. The talented batter said that she is quitting cricket and starting to conduct her life according to Islam.
Ayesha Naseem Announced Retirement
Ayesha was at the height of her powers and had the potential to become one of Pakistan’s top power hitters. Therefore, it comes as a huge shock to Pakistani cricket fans. On Thursday, Ayesha informed the Pakistan Cricket Board of her choice. Naseem informed PCB, “I’m leaving cricket and want to conduct my life in accordance with Islam.
Ayesha played 34 times internationally after making her debut on the international stage in 2020, scoring over 400 runs. She participated often in Pakistan’s T20 International matches and in the ICC T20 World Cup 2023 in February. In Pakistan women’s cricket, where many of the top players are nearing the end of their playing careers, she was predicted to be the next big thing.
Since the conclusion of the ICC T20 World Cup 2023 in February, Pakistan’s women’s cricket squad hasn’t participated in any international matches. Ayesha participated in the competition on a regular basis and made a stunning catch against India during a group-stage match.
Earlier this year, Ayesha Naseem smashed 43* in just 25 Balls against India in the Women's T20 World Cup. #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/5LJNuiCARr
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) July 20, 2023
She scored 43* off just 25 balls, including two fours and two sixes, to help Pakistan in setting India a challenging 150-run mark with seven wickets left.
Ayesha’s best performance came against the ladies of India as she amassed 369 runs in 30 T20I games at an average of 18.45 and a strike rate of 128.12. She played for Pakistan in four ODIs and scored 33 runs.
The Pakistan women’s cricket team will resume play on September 1 with a six-match white-ball series against the women of South Africa at home before departing for New Zealand in December.
See More: Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team Beats India In Women’s Asia Cup
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