Veteran Pakistan batsman Azhar Ali has announced his retirement from limited-overs cricket with immediate effect solely to maintain his focus on Test cricket.
Addressing the media at the Gaddafi stadium in Lahore, Ali said, “No hard feelings, it is totally my personal decision as I just want to focus on Test cricket only.
I made this decision for the betterment of my career. I never played T20 cricket, so it makes sense to hang my boots in the shorter formats of the game.”
Further adding that he would continue to play limited overs’ cricket at the domestic level.
“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,” he added.
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The right-hander further played down the fact his limited overs’ retirement has something to do with unhappiness with the decisions of the selection committee.
I have no regrets as I have given my full effort,” added Ali. “I have no issue about selection in the shorter formats.”
The 31-year old further added that the current ODI and T20I sides have a great supply of young talent and they would do well in the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales.
“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,” he added.
Image credit- Deccan Chronicle