Batsman Azhar Ali has announced that the Test match between Pakistan and England in Karachi will be his last for the country.
“Everything has its time. This is the right time, tomorrow will be the last Test of my career,” Azhar said at the press conference, adding that it was an honor for him to represent Pakistan.
The former captain said there were many people he was grateful for during the “tough but beautiful journey”.
Azhar said, “I want to give a special mention to my family without whose sacrifices I would not be where I am today. My parents, wife, siblings and children have been my strength.”
The batsman said he was happy to share the dressing room with some of the best cricketers with whom he shared a “strong bond”.
“I feel very rich to call these people my friends,” said the batsman.
The captain said he was retiring from international cricket “as a complete cricketer who ticked off most of the goals he set for himself”.
“Not many cricketers lead their countries, and it’s a matter of pride for me to be able to captain Pakistan. From being a kid who started as a leg-spinner, to Test batting. As far as being a staple in the line-up, I had the most beautiful moments of my life which I will always remember,” said Azhar.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja described Azhar as “one of the most committed and loyal servants of Pakistan cricket”.
“Although it is sad that Pakistan will not have a player of his experience in the dressing room, it only reflects the circle of life. I hope Azhar continues to play his part in the development of Pakistan cricket and the emerging cricketers. will look forward to sharing our vast knowledge and experience with,” said Raja.
The 37-year-old made his Lord’s debut against Australia in England in 2010 and scored his maiden Test half-century in his second match.
He would go on to score 34 more fifties and cross the 100-run mark on 19 occasions.
One of the most successful batsmen of the country, Azhar scored 7097 runs in 96 matches at an average of 42.49.
He is Pakistan’s fifth highest Test run-scorer after Younis Khan, Javed Miandad, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Muhammad Yousuf.
Among his accolades, Azhar is the only Pakistani batsman to score a triple century in pink-ball Tests. He achieved this feat against West Indies in Dubai in 2016. This unbeaten 302 is his highest score in Test cricket.
Azhar captained Pakistan in nine Tests in two separate stints from 2016 to 2020.
The batsman was also set to retire from one-day internationals in 2018 – a year after helping Pakistan win the ICC Champions Trophy 2017.
