Former Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan retired from international cricket during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 after playing his final game on Sunday against Namibia.
The veteran Afghan cricketer has played across all three formats for his country, captaining the side in their first-ever Test match against India in 2019.
Afghan also has 114 ODI caps to his name and captained Afghanistan at the 2016 T20 World Cup.
Afghan, who finishes with 195 appearances for Afghanistan in a 12-year career, looked close to tears in an interview after his side’s batting innings.
He was seen crying in the dressing room soon after and at the end he was carried from the field on the shoulders of his team-mates.
“I am retiring because I want to give the youngsters a chance,” he explained.
“Most of the people are asking why now and not the end of the tournament, but some things we cannot explain like that,” 33-year-old Afghan said via a translator.
“In the last match (against Pakistan) we were hurt too much, that’s why I’ve decided the time is right to leave the stage.
“I want to give a chance to the youngsters, this is a good opportunity for the youngsters to come forward.”
Afghan played 75 T20 international matches for his country, scoring 1382 runs and four 50s.
His aggressive style of play helped spearhead the team’s development into a major force in the format, and his captaincy cemented his legacy – Afghan holds the record for most wins as a captain in T20 international cricket with 42.
“There are plenty of memories, but it is very difficult when you decide for retirement,” a tearful Afghan said. “I know there are plenty listening to me, it’s very difficult to explain but I have to retire.”
Afghan was given a guard of honour by opponents Namibia when he came out to bat, arriving at number four with his side 68/2.
And, after anchoring the middle of the innings, he helped up the scoring rate late on, before being caught at backward point for 31 off 23 balls.
The departing veteran was then applauded off the field by fans and players alike, before being given a guard of honour from his teammates as he crossed the boundary rope for the final time.
“Asghar has been a great ambassador of the game and played a huge part in Afghanistan’s rise up the ranks in world cricket,” ICC Acting Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said.
“He has played a pivotal role as batter and led his team astutely during his time as captain.
“On behalf of the ICC, I wish him all the best for the future and hope that he continues to be associated with the game in the years to come.”
