Pakistan batsman Azhar Ali has announced that his side’s and England’s Test match in Karachi will be his last for the country.
“Everything has its time. This is the right time, tomorrow will be my career’s last Test,” said Azhar in a press conference, adding that it was an honour for him to represent Pakistan.
The former Pakistan captain expressed that there were several people who he was grateful to in the “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,” said Azhar.
He said that he was blessed to share dressing room with some of the most outstanding cricketers and with whom he shared a “strong bond”.
“I feel much richer by calling these people my friends. I am also blessed to have played under some wonderful coaches to whom I will always remain grateful,” said the batsman.
Azhar said that he is retiring from “international cricket as a fulfilled cricketer who ticked most of the goals” he had set for himself.
“Not many cricketers go on to lead their countries, and that I was able to captain Pakistan is a matter of great pride for me. From being a kid who started as a leg-spinner to becoming a mainstay in the Test batting line-up, I had the loveliest moments of my life that I will cherish forever,” said Azhar.
Notably, Azhar, 37, made his debut for Pakistan in 2010 in England against Australia at Lord’s and scored his maiden Test half-century in only his second match.
Considered as one of the most successful batters for Pakistan, Azhar amassed 7,097 runs in 96 matches at an average of 42.49.
He is also Pakistan’s fifth leading Test run-getter behind Younis Khan, Javed Miandad, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Yousuf.
Azhar also captained Pakistan in nine Tests and had retired from ODIs in 2018.