Former Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan on October 31 retired from all forms of cricket after he got dismissed for 31 off 23 balls during Afghanistan’s T20 World Cup Super 12 group 2 match at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.

A teary-eyed Asghar Afghan said his decision to retire in the middle of the ongoing tournament was prompted by the pain that he and his teammates endured after Afghanistan’s heart-breaking loss to Pakistan in their previous group match.

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In their group 2 match against Pakistan, Asif Ali smacked four massive sixes in the 19th over to help his team end the contest.

Less than 24 hours after the match, former skipper Afghan, who holds the record of most T20I wins as captain, announced his decision to retire after the match against Namibia.

“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, said wiping his tears during a chat after the end of the first innings.

“There are plenty of memories, it’s difficult for me, but I have to retire.” The 33-year-old played six Tests, 114 ODIs and 75 T20Is, including the Namibia match, in a creditable career, scoring 4246 runs across formats.

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“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.

Afghanistan will next play India on November 3 and New Zealand on November 7.

The team is playing at the ICC event at a time when the country itself is in turmoil following the Taliban takeover.

Afghanistan vs Namibia

Afghanistan captain Nabi won the toss and elected to bat against Namibia on a dry pitch. Winning the toss, Nabi said, “We’ll bat first. The wicket looks really good to bat on. Feeling really good after the performance in the last game. A lot of plus points, the boys played really well. Asghar’s service in the last 16 years has been great. He has promoted a lot of cricket for Afghanistan. Mujeeb is unfit and Hamid Hassan will be playing.”

After putting up a target of 160/5, Afghanistan defeated Namibia by a massive 62-run margin.