Abu Dhabi, October 31: A teary-eyed Afghan from Asghar said his decision to retire in the middle of the ongoing T20 World Cup was sparked by the pain he and his teammates endured following the heartbreaking defeat of the Afghanistan against Pakistan in their previous match.

Afghanistan suffered a five-wicket loss in their Super 12 match against Pakistan in which Asif Ali smashed four sixes to the penultimate, the team needing 24 on the final two overs, to end the match.

Less than 24 hours after the match, the former Afghan skipper, who holds the record for most T20I wins as captain, announced his decision to retire after the game against Namibia.

“In the last game we were too injured, and that’s why I decided to retire,” said Asghar, who led Afghanistan in 115 matches, wiping away tears in a conversation after the end of the first rounds.

“There are lots of memories, it’s hard for me, but I have to retire.”

The 33-year-old has appeared in six tests, 114 ODI and 75 T20I, including the game against Namibia, during an honorable career, scoring 4,246 races in all formats.

“I want to give young people a chance. I think it’s a good opportunity for that. Most people ask me why now, but it’s something I can’t explain,” said Afghan, who has scored a 23-31 Sunday.

The ICC congratulated Asghar on a superb career which saw him play a crucial role in his country’s rise in international cricket.

The batter has been one of seven major ICC tournaments in which Afghanistan has participated.

ICC Acting Managing Director Geoff Allardice said: “Asghar has been a great football ambassador and has played an important role in Afghanistan’s rise in world cricket.

“He played a pivotal role as a hitter and led his team astutely during his tenure as captain.

“On behalf of the ICC, I wish him all the best for the future and hope that he will continue to be associated with the game for years to come.”

Asghar captained his country in their very first test match against India in 2018 and in the 2016 T20 World Cup.

Afghanistan will then face India on November 3 and New Zealand on November 7.

The team is playing the ICC event at a time when the country itself is in turmoil following the Taliban takeover.

The future of Afghan cricketers is also uncertain due to drastic changes in the political landscape. The Taliban have already banned women from playing the game.

Atal Asghar Afghan cried after quitting cricket forever
you are the real hero of the afghan team
Thank you for your service in Afghanistan
Proud of you! pic.twitter.com/wWklaHI9Qh

– Nisar Afghan (@ NisarAfghan47) October 31, 2021

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