ISLAMABAD: Fast bowler Waqas Maqsood on Thursday announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing the curtain down on a short-lived international career that began against New Zealand in 2018.
The 37-year-old left-arm pacer made his only international appearance at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where he picked up two wickets in just 1.5 overs.
In domestic cricket, Maqsood featured in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for Karachi Kings and Islamabad United, taking 27 wickets in 20 matches.
His decision comes amid a recent wave of retirements from the national side. Earlier this week, fellow left-arm quick Usman Shinwari, 30, also stepped away from international cricket, citing fitness struggles after an injury-plagued career. Shinwari played one Test, 17 ODIs and 16 T20Is between 2013 and 2019, claiming 34 wickets in ODIs and 13 in T20Is — all against Sri Lanka, the team against whom he also made his debut in all three formats.
Meanwhile, middle-order batter Asif Ali, 33, announced his retirement from all formats on Wednesday. Known for his late-order hitting, he represented Pakistan in 21 ODIs and 58 T20Is.
In a farewell note shared on social media, Asif said: “Alhamdulillah, wearing the Pakistan jersey has been the greatest honour of my life. Serving my country on the cricket field has been my proudest chapter.”
