Azhar Ali announces retirement from One-Day Internationals

Azhar Ali decided to call it a day after he realized that his squad no longer required his services in the particular format; also keeping in the mind that the Men in Green had started to build a team for the World Cup 2019

After getting dropped from the team, Pakistan cricketer Azhar Ali has decided to retire from the ODI format of the game. The 33-year-old decided to call it a day after he realized that his squad no longer required his services in the particular format; keeping in the mind that the Men in Green had started to build a team for the World Cup 2019.

According to Express News, Azhar Ali has decided to hang his boots from the 50-over format in order to give more chances to the youngsters. In the modern-day game, Ali's strike-rate was always an issue; he hasn't been considered to play for his side, since New Zealand Tour earlier this year.

Not only that, with introduction of players like Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq at the top order, it was clear that Ali has no chance of a comeback.

Looking at the way high scores are being racked in the 50-over format nowadays, Ali's mediocre strike-rate of 74.45 is underwhelming. However, the veteran continues to be a crucial player for his squad in the longest format of the game and will continue to extend his career in whites now.

Azhar, who made his ODI debut in 2011 against Ireland, scored 1845 runs at an average of 36.90 in 53 matches.