Ayesha Naseem, 18-year-old Pakistani cricketer, announced a shock early retirement from all forms of cricket on Thursday (July 20). Ayesha was at the very peak of her career and had the potential to become one of Pakistan's top power hitters when she stunned the cricketing world with her decision to quit. Her announcement comes as a huge shock to women's cricket fans, especially in Pakistan. Once labelled a ‘serious talent’ by Pakistan bowling legend Wasim Akram, Naseem’s farewell was truly unexpected.
As per several media reports, Ayesha Naseem informed about her decision to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and mentioned: "I'm leaving cricket and want to live my life according to Islam."
According to many reports that have surfaced online, Ayesha opted to part ways with cricket in order to focus more on her religion and live her life according to that. Even though her career was short yet it was very impactful.
In her 34 international outings since making her debut in 2020, Ayesha has amassed over 400 runs. She played a significant role in the ICC T20 World Cup 2023 in February and was a regular member of Pakistan women’s T20I team. Given that several of Pakistan's top female cricketers are reaching the conclusion of their playing careers, she was predicted to be the next big thing.
Even though the Pakistani Women’s Team has not played any international cricket since the ICC T20 World Cup 2023 in February, Naseem featured regularly in the match and played a remarkable knock in the group stage game against India. She scored 43 not out over 25 balls with two fours and two sixes. Her knock was helpful in providing Pakistan set a target of 150 runs against the Indian Women’s Team. The women in blue could not achieve the target despite having 7 wickets in hand.
She amassed 369 runs in 30 T20I games at an average of 18.45 and a strike rate of 128.12. with her best knock coming against India Women’s Team. She played for Pakistan in four ODIs and scored 33 runs.
The Pakistan women's cricket team will resume play on September 1 in Karachi with a six-match white-ball series against South Africa women before departing for New Zealand in December.