Pakistan’s 18-year-old top-order batter shocked the whole world on 20th July 2023 (Thursday) when she announced a shocking retirement. Ayesha Naseem announced her retirement from the game at just the tender age of 18. It was initially reported by AryNews Journalist via Twitter.
Ayesha, who is yet to reach her peak of power, informed the Pakistan Cricket Board of her decision on Thursday.
Ayesha said, “I am leaving cricket and want to live my life according to Islam”.
🚨BREAKING NEWS!!🚨
Pakistan's young cricket star, 18 Year Old Ayesha Naseem quits cricket.
She played 4 ODIs and 30 T20Is for Pakistan. She was one of the best hitters from Pakistan women's team.#CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/0gHDGgSL7V
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) July 20, 2023
Ayesha, widely known as one of the promising hard hitters of the game, made her international debut in the ICC Women’s T20 world cup against Thailand at the age of just 15. She had the ability to clear the boundary ropes with quite ease, something which every team needs to be successful.
Watch Ayesha Naseem’s batting against India
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
Notably, Pakistan legend Wasim Akram had also said that she is some serious talent after she hit a long six to open her account against Australia.
Her stats in the shortest format of the game are quite good, scoring 369 runs in 27 innings with a strike rate of 128.12. She also hit 20 fours and 18 sixes in her T20I career. She played just 4 ODI’s for Pakistan.
In the 2023 T20 world cup, Ayesha Naseem took Indian Bowlers to the cleaners when she scored 43 runs from just 25 balls, forming an exceptional partnership with captain Bismah Maroof. The pair added 81 runs from just 7.1 overs for the fifth wicket partnership.
This is going to be a huge loss for the Pakistan side, as the potential she had was simply unbelievable. The Pakistan side will genuinely hope she takes back her decision and returns to the field soon.
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