Javeria Khan announces retirement from international cricket

Javeria Khan announced her retirement from international cricket on Thursday.

Former Pakistan captain Javeria Khan, 35, made her international debut 15 years ago in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka in a Women’s Asia Cup fixture against Sri Lanka on May 6, 2008.

Announcing her decision, the right-handed batter said: “I want to call it a day and announce my retirement, however, I will be available for league cricket. I am grateful for the unwavering support I received throughout my career. I want to thank my family, teammates, the Pakistan Cricket Board, my department ZTBL for their support and guidance at each step, and my fans whose appreciation was instrumental in bringing out the best in me. I have been blessed to hold Pakistan’s flag globally.”

Karachi-born Javeria represented Pakistan in 116 ODIs and 12 T20Is.

She is retiring after a nearly 16-year career in which she became Pakistan’s second-highest run-getter in the 50-overs format (2285).

She also represented Pakistan in four 50-over World Cups (2009, 2013, 2017 and 2022) and all eight T20 World Cups (2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2023) held since its inception.

“There was joy and sorrow, but above all a sense of great pride that kept me going for 15 years,” the 35-year-old wrote in her retirement note.

“The privilege of wearing Pakistan’s jersey was way bigger than the odds that struck through my cricketing journey. I am blessed to have lived my life doing what I loved doing the most and will continue to do so.

“Now when I look back, it gives me great satisfaction to see that the path that my friends and I chose to walk on was least trodden when I started playing professionally but is now open for so many girls in Pakistan.

“Things change, scripts change and new paths beckon,” Javeria wrote, adding, “There is a time for everything, and now I believe is the best time to call it a day and announce my retirement. However, I’ll be available to play league cricket. I will always be grateful to Pakistan for letting me hold Pakistan’s flag globally.”