Lahore November 1: Batsman Azhar Ali has announced his retirement from ODI cricket. He has made the following statement.
“Today I want to announce an important decision that I have made. I feel that the time is right for me to announce my retirement from the One Day International format (ODI) so that I can focus with my full energy on Test cricket and serve Pakistan for longer.
I feel honoured that I represented the country in 53 ODIs —31 as captain— and I have some fond memories of leading some incredibly talented players. I am fully committed to Test cricket and would want to serve the country for as long as I can maintain my form and fitness. I would continue to play Domestic One Day and T20 matches.
As a former ODI captain I wish the team the very best for what is an incredibly important season ahead of the World Cup next June. There are some talented young batsmen who are part of the set-up now and I am supremely confident that they will serve Pakistan cricket with distinction.”
Message from Chairman PCB: Chairman PCB Mr. Ehsan Mani has congratulated Azhar Ali on a successful ODI career in which he scored 1845 runs at an average of 36.90 with the help of three centuries and 12 half-centuries.
“Azhar performed admirably for Pakistan in the ODI format. He captained in a time of transition for the national team and did well both as a leader and batsman.
Azhar remains an integral part of Pakistan’s Test team and his decision to quit the ODI format will help him concentrate fully on the longest format and I am confident that he will continue to serve the team with distinction.”
