Asif Ali: “Look, my job is to play cricket. You saw in the [2024] World Cup as well that two retired players returned to the Pakistan team. If there is a need, I am available”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Pakistan power-hitter Asif Ali has hinted that he might come out of retirement to play international cricket again.
Asif retired in September 2025, but noted that if he is needed, he is “available” to play for the national team again. He pointed to the precedents set by left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Amir and spinner Imad Wasim, both of whom came out of retirement to represent Pakistan in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup.
The 34-year-old played for the Lahore Qalandars in the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL), but didn’t enjoy a lot of success as he was restricted to 46 runs in five matches at an average of 11.50 and a strike-rate of 143.75.
“Look, my job is to play cricket. You saw in the [2024] World Cup as well that two retired players returned to the Pakistan team. If there is a need, I am available,” he was quoted as saying by Geo Super.
Asif did not take part in Pakistan’s two-Test series against the West Indies, which concluded as a 1-1 draw.
He also isn’t part of the side for the ongoing three-Test series against England, where the men in green are 2-0 down heading into the 3rd Test in Birmingham on September 9.
Pakistan Squad for 3rd Test against England in Birmingham: Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Razaullah, Saad Baig (wicketkeeper) Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique, Ubaid Shah