Pakistani woman cricketer Ayesha Naseem, 18, announces retirement citing religion

Once dubbed a "serious talent" by the great Wasim Akram, Pakistani cricketer Ayesha Naseem, 18, has announced her retirement from international cricket citing her devotions to Islamic principles. She was one of the best hitters from Pakistan women's team.#CricketTwitterpic.twitter.com/0gHDGgSL7V — Female Cricket July 20, 2023 Efforts to convince her to continue playing, by Pakistan women's team captain Nida Dar and the Pakistan Cricket Board, did not yield the desired results. #CricketTwitterpic.twitter.com/5LJNuiCARr — Female Cricket July 20, 2023 “Efforts were made even by Nida Dar and some Pakistan players to convince her that she can be a practicing Muslim and also play cricket at the same time but Ayesha refused to rethink her decision.” Ayesha was considered one of the top young talents in Pakistan women’s cricket with her hard-hitting batting and had made a name for herself in a short time. “She eventually decided to leave cricket and become a practiciing Muslim and adhere to the teachings.” In the past many high-profile Pakistan men’s team players, such as Saeed Anwar, Inzamam ul Haq, Muhammad Yousuf, Saqlain Mushtaq and Mushtaq Ahmed, turned to religion while playing cricket but only Anwar left the game altogether after losing his young daughter in 2002.