The Pakistani batter played 4 ODIs and 30 T20Is for Pakistan
In a surprising turn of events, young Pakistan batter Ayesha Naseem announced her retirement from international cricket at the age of 18. The batter cited religious reasons for her decision to take early retirement from international cricket. Ayesha communicated her decision to Pakistan Cricket Board. Ayesha represented Pakistan in 4 ODIs and 30 T20Is after making her debut in March 2020. She scored 402 runs in her short international career.
The Rise
Ayesha rose to fame through her cameo against Australia in early 2023 when she scored a quickfire 24 off just 20 balls which included four sixes and one four. She caught the eye of the legend of Pakistan cricket Wasim Akram who tweeted about her cameo after the match. Wasim Akram referred to her as a ‘Serious Talent’ while praising Naseem for her cameo against Australia.
Having played 30 T20Is for Pakistan at the international level the batter was deemed to be the next big thing in women’s cricket since she made her debut against Thailand in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 in Australia.
Ayesha scored 33 runs in the four One Day Internationals she played for Pakistan. The promising batter made his last international appearance for Pakistan against Australia where she recorded a three-ball duck
The Reason
According to reports Ayesha decided to call it a day on his international career because she desires to live life according to Islam. She said “I’m leaving cricket and want to live my life according to Islam,” Naseem told PCB. Ayesha scored 369 runs in 30 T20Is for Pakistan.
The sudden retirement of Ayesha may not have come at a more difficult time for Pakistan as they will be hosting South Africa for a three-match T20I series next month. The green army is set to play in the Asian Games in September where they have directly qualified for the quarterfinals as they are ranked higher among teams participating in the marquee event set to take place in China.
