Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, has announced his retirement from international cricket, thus ending his long and successful cricketing career. The wicketkeeper-batter has devoted 20 years of his life to serve Pakistan cricket by playing in crucial matches throughout his long and successful cricketing career. The victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 is the biggest achievement of Sarfaraz Ahmed’s cricketing career. Sarfaraz made his international debut in November 2007 in an ODI against India in Jaipur. Over the years, he became a regular member of the team and also took up leadership duties. Strong numbers across formats Sarfaraz’s international cricket career spanned 54 tests and 117 ODIs and 61 T20 Internationals that he played for the Pakistan national cricket team. Sarfaraz scored 6164 runs in international cricket matches that included six centuries and 35 half-centuries. Sarfaraz was recognized as a batsman and a wicketkeeper who carried out his responsibilities behind the wicket. He ended his international career as a wicketkeeper with 315 catches and 56 stumpings. Sarfaraz led Pakistan in 100 international matches which included all three cricket formats. The format distribution included 50 ODIs and 37 T20Is and 13 Tests. Under his captaincy, Pakistan reached the No. 1 ranking in T20I cricket. The team also set a world record by winning 11 T20I series in a row. Also Read | Usman Khawaja’s First-Class Career Ends As Queensland Miss Sheffield Shield Final Historic Champions Trophy triumph The ICC Champions Trophy title victory in 2017 stands as Sarfaraz's most significant achievement during his tenure as Pakistan cricket captain. Pakistan secured a victory against India in the final match with a huge margin of180 runs. The win ended an eight-year wait for an ICC trophy for Pakistan. With that victory Sarfaraz achieved another milestone. He became the only captain to lead Pakistan to ICC titles at both junior and senior levels. He previously captained Pakistan during the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2006 in Sri Lanka when Pakistan defeated India in the final match. Helping young players grow Sarfaraz supported young players during his captaincy who later became essential players for the team. Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf all benefited from his support during their early careers. The Pride of Performance award recognized Sarfaraz in 2018. He became the youngest Pakistan captain to receive the award. Sarfaraz’s farewell message In a statement announcing his retirement, Sarfaraz spoke about his journey and the pride he felt while representing his country. Sarfaraz said: "It has been the greatest honour of my life to represent Pakistan, From leading the U19 team to a world title in 2006 to lifting the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017, every moment in Pakistan colours has been special." He Added: "Captaining Pakistan across all formats was a dream come true. I always tried to play fearless cricket and build a united team. Seeing players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali and others grow into match-winners during my captaincy is one of my proudest achievements." He further said: "I would like to thank the Pakistan Cricket Board for the trust they placed in me over the years. Pakistan cricket has always been very close to my heart and I will continue to support the game in every possible way." Sarfaraz last played for Pakistan in the Perth Test in December 2023. With his playing days now over, he is expected to take up coaching duties in the future as Pakistan cricket prepares for changes after the recent ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.