Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) invited applications for the post of Director NCA and it has been reported that former captain Azhar Ali had not only applied but also shown keen interest in taking up the job.

After the PCB removed New Zealand's Grant Bradburn from the position earlier this year, another former Test bowler, Nadeem Khan, is now serving as acting Director of the NCA. 

Azhar resigned from international cricket last year and has been playing first-class cricket since then. He is currently in Pakistan for a departmental tournament.

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Azhar has played 97 Tests, 53 One-Day Internationals, and 263 first-class matches. In January, the PCB will appoint an NCA Director.

“The PCB is also happy that Azhar has shown interest because of his cricket and educational background,” PTI reported.

Pakistan is currently prepping for a two-day practice game against the Victoria side ahead of the second Test of the three-match series in Australia, which will be played in Melbourne from December 26 onwards.