(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
AB de Villiers Picks Mohammad Asif in His All-Time XI, Praises His Unmatched Bowling Skill
Pakistan’s cricket legacy has long been defined by legendary fast bowlers, but one name continues to earn admiration well beyond the statistics—Mohammad Asif. In a recent reveal during the World Championship of Legends 2025, former South African great AB de Villiers named Asif in his all-time playing XI, placing the Pakistani swing maestro alongside some of the most iconic names in cricket history.
A Surprise Inclusion That Says It All
What turned heads wasn’t just the superstar-filled lineup—which included legends like Shane Warne, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Mitchell Johnson—but the presence of Mohammad Asif. His inclusion is a nod to the artistry of swing bowling and a strong endorsement from one of the finest batters the game has ever seen.
De Villiers, who currently captains the South Africa Champions team in the tournament, has often spoken about Asif’s incredible ability with the ball. He once called Asif “one of the toughest bowlers I faced,” and the stats back it up: the Pakistani pacer dismissed De Villiers five times across formats—three times in Tests and twice in ODIs. In Tests, De Villiers averaged just 8.7 runs against him.
More Than Just Numbers
While Asif’s international career was shortened by controversy, his impact remains unforgettable. His swing, control, and deceptive pace troubled some of the best batters of his era—including Rahul Dravid and Hashim Amla. For many, he remains one of cricket’s biggest “what-if” stories, a player whose talent far exceeded his final numbers.
AB de Villiers’ All-Time XI:
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Graeme Smith
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Matthew Hayden
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Ricky Ponting
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Virat Kohli
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Steve Smith
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Kane Williamson
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MS Dhoni (wk)
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Mitchell Johnson
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Mohammad Asif
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Muttiah Muralitharan
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Shane Warne
A Tribute That Echoes Beyond Records
Though Mohammad Asif may not hold the records of his peers, his skill and legacy live on—especially when legends like AB de Villiers choose to remember him not just as a bowler, but as an artist of the game. It’s a reminder that sometimes, how you played matters more than how long you played.
Asif’s inclusion is not just an individual honor—it’s a moment of pride for Pakistan cricket, once again proving that raw talent and pure skill can leave a lasting mark on the game.
