<p>Former captain Asghar Afghan appeared in the last match for Afghanistan against Namibia in the Twenty20 World Cup on Sunday (October 31), as he announced his retirement from international cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Teary-eyed Asghar revealed the reason behind his decision to retire in the middle of the tournament, which is underway in UAE and Oman. He said the decision was triggered by the pain that he and his teammates endured after a heart-breaking loss to Pakistan in their previous match.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wiping his tears during a chat after the end of the first innings, Asghar said, "In the last match, we were hurt too much, and that's why I decided to retire," Asghar, who has led Afghanistan in 115 matches. There are plenty of memories, it's difficult for me, but I have to retire."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/its-ridiculous-virat-kohli-says-too-long-a-break-as-india-take-on-nz-after-seven-days-in-t20-wc-2021-425628">'It's ridiculous': Virat Kohli says 'too long a break' as India take on NZ after seven days in T20 WC 2021</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Asghar Afghan will bow out from the international game, following <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a>'s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> match against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Namibia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Namibia</a>.<br />
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More 👇<a href="https://t.co/ASBPWyyY5o">https://t.co/ASBPWyyY5o</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1454652357250322435?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The 33-year-old played six Tests, 114 ODIs and 75 T20Is, including the Namibia match, in his&nbsp;career, scoring 4246 runs across formats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I want to give chance to youngsters. I think this is a good opportunity for that. Most people are asking me why now but it's something I cannot explain," said Afghan, who scored a 23-ball 31 on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The global cricket governing body, the International Cricket Council (ICC) congratulated Asghar for a superb career that has seen him play a crucial role in his country's rise in international cricket.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/michael-vaughan-names-only-team-which-can-stop-destructive-england-in-t20-world-cup-2021-425604">Michael Vaughan names only team which can stop 'destructive' England in T20 World Cup 2021</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What a career for Asghar Afghan!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/ny0e3FIDlM">https://t.co/ny0e3FIDlM</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1454765845171802115?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>ICC acting chief executive Geoff Allardice said: "Asghar has been a great ambassador of the game and played a huge part in Afghanistan's rise up the ranks in world cricket. He has played a pivotal role as batter and led his team astutely during his time as captain. On behalf of the ICC, I wish him all the best for the future and hope that he continues to be associated with the game in the years to come."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Asghar led his side in all three formats of cricket for six years but he was sacked two weeks before the start of the 2019 World Cup in England. He eventually won back the captaincy but was axed again in June this year after being blamed for the team's poor form in a Test series in Zimbabwe.&nbsp;</p>


Former captain Asghar Afghan appeared in the last match for Afghanistan against Namibia in the Twenty20 World Cup on Sunday (October 31), as he announced his retirement from international cricket.

Former captain Asghar Afghan appeared in the last match for Afghanistan against Namibia in the Twenty20 World Cup on Sunday (October 31), as he announced his retirement from international cricket. Teary-eyed Asghar revealed the reason behind his decision to retire in the middle of the tournament, which is underway in UAE and Oman. He said the decision was triggered by the pain that he and his teammates endured after a heart-breaking loss to Pakistan in their previous match. Wiping his tears during a chat after the end of the first innings, Asghar said, "In the last match, we were hurt too much, and that's why I decided to retire," Asghar, who has led Afghanistan in 115 matches. There are plenty of memories, it's difficult for me, but I have to retire." ALSO READ | 'It's ridiculous': Virat Kohli says 'too long a break' as India take on NZ after seven days in T20 WC 2021 Asghar Afghan will bow out from the international game, following #Afghanistan's #T20WorldCup match against #Namibia. More 👇https://t.co/ASBPWyyY5o — ICC (@ICC) October 31, 2021 × The 33-year-old played six Tests, 114 ODIs and 75 T20Is, including the Namibia match, in his career, scoring 4246 runs across formats. "I want to give chance to youngsters. I think this is a good opportunity for that. Most people are asking me why now but it's something I cannot explain," said Afghan, who scored a 23-ball 31 on Sunday. The global cricket governing body, the International Cricket Council (ICC) congratulated Asghar for a superb career that has seen him play a crucial role in his country's rise in international cricket. ALSO READ | Michael Vaughan names only team which can stop 'destructive' England in T20 World Cup 2021 What a career for Asghar Afghan!#T20WorldCup https://t.co/ny0e3FIDlM — ICC (@ICC) October 31, 2021 × ICC acting chief executive Geoff Allardice said: "Asghar has been a great ambassador of the game and played a huge part in Afghanistan's rise up the ranks in world cricket. He has played a pivotal role as batter and led his team astutely during his time as captain. On behalf of the ICC, I wish him all the best for the future and hope that he continues to be associated with the game in the years to come." Asghar led his side in all three formats of cricket for six years but he was sacked two weeks before the start of the 2019 World Cup in England. He eventually won back the captaincy but was axed again in June this year after being blamed for the team's poor form in a Test series in Zimbabwe.

We were hurt too much by Pakistan loss: Asghar Afghan reveals reason behind sudden retirement

<p>Former Afghanistan skipper Asghar Afghan on Sunday received a guard of honour from Namibia during the ongoing match in the T20 World Cup.</p>

<p>Asghar Afghan is playing his last match for his country as he has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Saturday.</p>

<p>Afghanistan is locking horns with Namibia in the ongoing T20 World Cup on Sunday and this will be Asghar Afghan`s last match for his side.</p>

<p>Asghar came into bat when Mohammad Shahzad`s entertaining knock of 45 came to an end in the 13th over.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/winless-in-18-years-can-virat-kohli-led-india-break-the-jinx-against-new-zealand-in-icc-events-425532">Winless in 18 years! Can Virat Kohli-led India break the jinx against New Zealand in ICC events?</a></strong></p>

<p>As Asghar came into bat, the Namibian side gave the former Afghanistan skipper a guard of honour during the match.</p>

<p>Asghar Afghan has played six Tests, 114 ODIs and 75 T20Is for Afghanistan. The right-handed batter made his debut against Scotland in 2009.</p>

<p>Asghar Afghan played his first match in the longest format when Afghanistan locked horns with India in June 2018.&nbsp;</p>


Former Afghanistan skipper Asghar Afghan on Sunday received a guard of honour from Namibia during the ongoing match in the T20 World Cup. Asghar Afghan is playing his last match for his country as he has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Saturday.

Former Afghanistan skipper Asghar Afghan on Sunday received a guard of honour from Namibia during the ongoing match in the T20 World Cup. Asghar Afghan is playing his last match for his country as he has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Saturday. Afghanistan is locking horns with Namibia in the ongoing T20 World Cup on Sunday and this will be Asghar Afghan`s last match for his side. Asghar came into bat when Mohammad Shahzad`s entertaining knock of 45 came to an end in the 13th over. ALSO READ: Winless in 18 years! Can Virat Kohli-led India break the jinx against New Zealand in ICC events? As Asghar came into bat, the Namibian side gave the former Afghanistan skipper a guard of honour during the match. Asghar Afghan has played six Tests, 114 ODIs and 75 T20Is for Afghanistan. The right-handed batter made his debut against Scotland in 2009. Asghar Afghan played his first match in the longest format when Afghanistan locked horns with India in June 2018.

T20 World Cup: Asghar Afghan receives Guard of Honour from Namibia in his last match for Afghanistan

<p>The Afghanistan Cricket Board on Saturday (October 30) informed that former captain Asghar Afghan has announced his retirement from international cricket. He will play his last match for Afghanistan against&nbsp;Namibia at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, which is underway in UAE and Oman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 33-year-old said in Pashto in a video message on Facebook: "I will retire from all international cricket after the game against Namibia. I want more and more youngsters to get the opportunity to play for Afghanistan. Therefore, it's expected that tomorrow will be my last international match and afterwards I will resign."</p>

<p>"@ACBofficials welcomes and respects his decision, expresses gratitude for his services to the country. It will take a lot of hard work for young Afghan cricketers to fill his shoes," tweeted the Afghanistan Cricket Board.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-hardik-pandya-bowls-in-nets-virat-kohli-says-all-rounder-needs-to-be-fit-to-bowl-one-or-two-overs-425426">T20 WC: Hardik Pandya bowls in nets; Virat Kohli says all-rounder needs to be fit to bowl one or two overs</a></strong></p>

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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-virat-kohli-slams-spineless-people-for-abusing-shami-calls-it-lowest-level-of-human-form-425291">T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli slams 'spineless people' for abusing Shami, calls it 'lowest level of human form'</a></strong></p>

<p>Overall, Asghar played six Tests, 114 one-day internationals and 74 Twenty20 internationals in a career spread over 12 years. He scored 440 runs in Tests with one hundred while his tally in ODIs was 2,424 with a century and 12 half-centuries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Asghar led his side in all three formats of cricket for six years but he was sacked two weeks before the start of the 2019 World Cup in England. He eventually won back the captaincy but was axed again in June this year after being blamed for the team's poor form in a Test series in Zimbabwe.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Afghanistan’s ex captain Asghar Afghan who holds the highest winning streak as a captain in T20 internationals surpassing Indian legend Ms Dhoni by one extra win, decides to bid farewell with all formats of cricket in Afghanistan’s third match against Namibia at <a href="https://twitter.com/T20WorldCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@T20WorldCup</a>.<br />
1/1 <a href="https://t.co/4nxfeoctjj">pic.twitter.com/4nxfeoctjj</a></p>
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) <a href="https://twitter.com/ACBofficials/status/1454494286104473600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Afghanistan Cricket Board on Saturday (October 30) informed that former captain Asghar Afghan has announced his retirement from international cricket. He will play his last match for Afghanistan against Namibia at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, which is underway in UAE and Oman.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board on Saturday (October 30) informed that former captain Asghar Afghan has announced his retirement from international cricket. He will play his last match for Afghanistan against Namibia at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, which is underway in UAE and Oman. The 33-year-old said in Pashto in a video message on Facebook: "I will retire from all international cricket after the game against Namibia. I want more and more youngsters to get the opportunity to play for Afghanistan. Therefore, it's expected that tomorrow will be my last international match and afterwards I will resign." "@ACBofficials welcomes and respects his decision, expresses gratitude for his services to the country. It will take a lot of hard work for young Afghan cricketers to fill his shoes," tweeted the Afghanistan Cricket Board. ALSO READ | T20 WC: Hardik Pandya bowls in nets; Virat Kohli says all-rounder needs to be fit to bowl one or two overs × ALSO READ | T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli slams 'spineless people' for abusing Shami, calls it 'lowest level of human form' Overall, Asghar played six Tests, 114 one-day internationals and 74 Twenty20 internationals in a career spread over 12 years. He scored 440 runs in Tests with one hundred while his tally in ODIs was 2,424 with a century and 12 half-centuries. Asghar led his side in all three formats of cricket for six years but he was sacked two weeks before the start of the 2019 World Cup in England. He eventually won back the captaincy but was axed again in June this year after being blamed for the team's poor form in a Test series in Zimbabwe. Afghanistan’s ex captain Asghar Afghan who holds the highest winning streak as a captain in T20 internationals surpassing Indian legend Ms Dhoni by one extra win, decides to bid farewell with all formats of cricket in Afghanistan’s third match against Namibia at @T20WorldCup. 1/1 pic.twitter.com/4nxfeoctjj — Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) October 30, 2021 ×

T20 World Cup: Afghanistan's Asghar to retire from all formats after Namibia match

<p>The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Friday appointed leg-spinner <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-afghanistan-will-try-to-learn-from-mistakes-says-rashid-khan-229274&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjnw_-5sK_jAhXQUN4KHWhGAWoQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1xJVh7fyJ_wJI2hw-IKvLI">Rashid Khan</a> as the team captain for all formats.</p>

<p>The former captain Asghar Afghan has been appointed as the vice-captain of the team.</p>

<p>The apex cricketing body, International Cricket Council tweeted about Rashid's and Afghan's appointment as team captain and vice-captain.</p>

<p>"BREAKING: Rashid Khan has been appointed Afghanistan captain across formats! Asghar Afghan is the vice-captain," ICC tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BREAKING: Rashid Khan has been appointed Afghanistan captain across formats! Asghar Afghan is vice-captain. <a href="https://t.co/yKCfChR6a4">pic.twitter.com/yKCfChR6a4</a></p>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1149646337413042176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>By appointing <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-rashid-khan-players-who-failed-to-impress-at-cricket-world-cup-2019-235082&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjnw_-5sK_jAhXQUN4KHWhGAWoQFjACegQIDxAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw06SzNjFTsBt-cFMK6k5Mpb">Rashid </a>as the captain, the Cricket Board has put an end to split captaincy.</p>

<p>Before the start of the World Cup, the ACB had appointed <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-gulbadin-naib-defends-rashid-khan-says-he-is-a-star-it-was-just-not-his-day-228570&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjnw_-5sK_jAhXQUN4KHWhGAWoQFjAEegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3RAPIaI-vXgGMEZzh-8rkH">Gulbadin Naib</a> has ODI captain, Rashid as T20I captain and Rahmat Shah as the Test captain.</p>

<p>Afghanistan had a poor show in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup as the side failed to win any match in the tournament.<br />
<br />
The team came close to beat India, Pakistan and West Indies, but they were not able to get over the line.</p>

<p>During Afghanistan's stint at the World Cup, wicket-keeper batsman <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/mohammad-shahzad-blames-afghanistan-cricket-board-for-his-withdrawal-from-world-cup-squad-226086&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiD7t_2sK_jAhVbWisKHWTuC-0QFjAAegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1cd2_fkJXAe5gitNmARXSu">Mohammad Shahzad</a> was called back from the squad due to his injury.<br />
<br />
But the player criticised ACB, saying he was fit and the board did not want him as a part of the squad.<br />
<br />
Asghar Afghan was the captain of Afghanistan prior to the World Cup and his removal as the leader sparked criticism from various quarters.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/gulbadin-naib-apologises-to-fans-for-afghanistans-poor-world-cup-performance-233187&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjL2-XksK_jAhXMP3AKHYFaCUYQFjAIegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1rc3Yno1qbjCNkbtuBs94w">Mohammad Nabi</a> and Rashid had also criticised removal of Afghan as the team's captain just months ahead of the World Cup.</p>


The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Friday appointed leg-spinner Rashid Khan as the team captain for all formats. The former captain Asghar Afghan has been appointed as the vice-captain of the team.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) on Friday appointed leg-spinner Rashid Khan as the team captain for all formats. The former captain Asghar Afghan has been appointed as the vice-captain of the team. The apex cricketing body, International Cricket Council tweeted about Rashid's and Afghan's appointment as team captain and vice-captain. "BREAKING: Rashid Khan has been appointed Afghanistan captain across formats! Asghar Afghan is the vice-captain," ICC tweeted. BREAKING: Rashid Khan has been appointed Afghanistan captain across formats! Asghar Afghan is vice-captain. pic.twitter.com/yKCfChR6a4 — ICC (@ICC) July 12, 2019 × By appointing Rashid as the captain, the Cricket Board has put an end to split captaincy. Before the start of the World Cup, the ACB had appointed Gulbadin Naib has ODI captain, Rashid as T20I captain and Rahmat Shah as the Test captain. Afghanistan had a poor show in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup as the side failed to win any match in the tournament. The team came close to beat India, Pakistan and West Indies, but they were not able to get over the line. During Afghanistan's stint at the World Cup, wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Shahzad was called back from the squad due to his injury. But the player criticised ACB, saying he was fit and the board did not want him as a part of the squad. Asghar Afghan was the captain of Afghanistan prior to the World Cup and his removal as the leader sparked criticism from various quarters. Mohammad Nabi and Rashid had also criticised removal of Afghan as the team's captain just months ahead of the World Cup.

Rashid Khan appointed as Afghanistan's captain for all formats

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We were hurt too much by Pakistan loss: Asghar Afghan reveals reason behind sudden retirement

T20 World Cup: Asghar Afghan receives Guard of Honour from Namibia in his last match for Afghanistan

T20 World Cup: Afghanistan's Asghar to retire from all formats after Namibia match

Rashid Khan appointed as Afghanistan's captain for all formats