On the eve of the third Test match between Pakistan and England which will be played in Karachi from December 17 onwards, veteran Pakistani batter Azhar Ali shocked the community by announcing his retirement from international cricket after this upcoming match.
The 37-year-old made his debut for Pakistan in 2010 against Australia at Lord’s and has gone on to play 96 Tests and 53 ODIs thus far.
He has made 7097 runs in Tests with 19 centuries and 35 fifties with an average of 42.49. His highest score is 302* and he was the first batter to score a triple century in a day-night Test.
He also played 53 ODIs, scoring 1845 runs with 3 centuries and the best score of 102. Azhar Ali also captained Pakistan from 2015 to 2017 in 9 Tests and 30 ODIs an unimpressive stint.
“It has been a great honor and privilege for me to represent my country at the highest level. Deciding on when to call it a day is always tough, but, after contemplating deeply, I realized that this is the right time for me to retire from Test cricket,” Azhar Ali said in a statement released by PCB.
“There are many people who I am grateful to in this strenuous, yet beautiful journey. I want to make a special mention of my family without whose sacrifices; I would not have been where I am today. My parents, wife, siblings, and children have been my strength throughout.
I have been blessed to share a dressing room with some of the most outstanding cricketers with whom I share a strong bond. I feel much richer by calling these people my friends. I am also blessed to have played under some wonderful coaches to whom I will always remain grateful,” he said.
Azhar signed off by saying: “I retire from international cricket as a fulfilled cricketer who ticked most of the goals he had set for himself. Not many cricketers go on to lead their countries, and that I was able to captain Pakistan is a matter of great pride for me. From being a kid who started as a leg-spinner to becoming a mainstay in the Test batting line-up, I had the loveliest moments of my life that I will cherish forever.”
PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja said: “Azhar Ali has been one of the most committed and loyal servants of Pakistan cricket. His grit and determination have been an inspiration for many young cricketers and he is a role model for up-and-coming cricketers.
While it is sad that Pakistan will not have a player of his experience in the dressing room to draw upon, it only reflects the circle of life. I hope to see Azhar continuing to play a role in the development of Pakistan cricket and sharing his vast knowledge and experience with budding cricketers.”
The third and final Test against England will begin in Karachi on December 17.
(PCB inputs)
