Azhar Ali Hints At Reversing Retirement Decision

Pakistan Test specialist Azhar Ali said on Thursday said that he might reverse his decision of retiring from one-day international cricket

Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali said on Thursday said that he might reverse his decision of retiring from one-day international cricket. The 34-year-old decided to hang his boots in year 2018 from 50-over format in order to give more chances to the youngsters. Azhar, who made his ODI debut in 2011 against Ireland, scored 1845 runs at an average of 36.90 in 53 matches. "I decided to retire because I didn't see any place for me in the one-day squad and I felt my place was not certain for the World Cup. So I decided to call it a day from the format," Azhar told reporters here. "I will review my retirement decision if such a time comes, but for now I am retired from this format. In fact, the PCB is yet to appoint the new coaching staff, so it is too early to think about my retirement," he said. Azhar, who is an important member of the Pakistan Test team, stressed that the side needed to start winning away from home to become a better Test unit. "As a team we need to start doing well in Tests and we need to not only win our home series, but also go and win in countries like England, Australia and South Africa to become a top team," he said. With introduction of players like Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq at the top order, it was clear that Ali had no chance of a comeback in Pakistan's ODI squad. Looking at the way high scores are being racked in the 50-over format nowadays, Ali's mediocre strike-rate had been an issue. However, the veteran continues to be a crucial player for his squad in the longest format of the game and continues to extend his career in whites now.