Pakistan's Ayesha Naseem quits cricket at the age of 18 for religious reasons

Ayesha Naseem represented Pakistan and four women's ODIs and 30 women's T20Is.

Pakistan women's cricketer Ayesha Naseem has called time on her international cricket career at the young age of 18.

According to multiple reports, Ayesha decided to quit cricket as she wants to live her life in accordance with the teachings of Islam. She has reached out to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to confirm her retirement.

"I'm leaving cricket and want to live my life according to Islam," Ayesha told PCB.

Having made her international debut in March 2020, Ayesha Naseem represented Pakistan and four women's ODIs and 30 women's T20Is. During her brief international career, she scored a total of 402 runs.

Ayesha rose to fame in January 2023 when she played a cameo against Australia in a WT20I match in Sydney. In that game, she scored 24 runs off 20 balls with three sixes and a four.

Pakistan pace legend Wasim Akram was also impressed by her range of shots, hailing Ayesha as a "serious talent" on Twitter.

Ayesha Naseem’s last appearance for Pakistan was against Ireland during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in February this year.