KARACHI
Pakistan’s former Test captain and star batsman Azhar Ali on Friday announced his retirment from the longest format of cricket, immediately after Third and final Test match between Pakistan and England.
Azhar, who represented Pakistan in 96 Tests so far, scoring 7097 runs at an impressive average of 42.49, adressed a press talk Friday alongside Pakistan skipper Babar Azam, and announced his retirment.
“It has been a great honour and privilege for me to represent my country at the highest level,” Azhar said in a statement on Friday. “Deciding on when to call it a day is always tough, but, after contemplating deeply, I realised that this is the right time for me to retire from Test cricket.
“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,” he added.
Skipper Babar Azam while adressing the press talk heaped praise on Ali for his “great career” and services for Pakistan cricket.
“I congratulate him on his career and it has been inspiring for all of us.
When we joined the team, he was a senior player and we learned from him. We have seen him perform really well in difficult situations.”
When asked whether Ali will play the final Test, the skipper said the final XI will be decided later today “so let’s wait”.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja hailed Ali as “the most committed and loyal servant of Pakistan cricket”.
