LAHORE: Seasoned Pakistan batter Javeria Khan announced her retirement from international cricket on Thursday, ending her 15-year career with the national women’s team.

Javeria made her international debut against Sri Lanka in 2008 and went on to play 228 matches for Pakistan, amassing 4,903 runs with two centuries and 25 half-centuries to her name. She also bagged 28 international wickets.

She is the only women’s cricketer in Pakistan to have scored over 2000 international runs besides former skipper Bismah Maroof.

Javeria has represented the national side in four 50-over World Cups (2009, 2013, 2017 and 2022) and in all eight T20 World Cups held since its inception. She was also part of the Pakistan squad that won gold medals in the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games held in China and South Korea, respectively.

Javeria also captained Pakistan women’s team in 17 ODIs and 16 T20Is. Among the 16 T20Is, she captained the side in two editions (2018 and 2020) of ICC Women’s T20 World Cups.

“I want to call it a day and announce my retirement, however, I will be available for league cricket. I am grateful to the unwavering support I received throughout my career,” she was quoted as saying in a press release issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board.

“I want to thank my family, team-mates, 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.”

Published in Dawn, March 22nd, 2024