Azhar Ali announces retirement from ODI cricket

LAHORE: Pakistani batsman Azhar Ali has announced retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket.

Addressing a news conference in Lahore on Thuraday, Azhar Ali said, “I am retiring from ODI on personal reasons and the decision is made after thorough deliberations.”

However, Azhar said he would continue playing Test cricket.

The 33-year-old had been dumped from Pakistan´s one-day side since a flop series in New Zealand in January, where he earned just 12 runs in three matches -- including a duck at Dunedin, that proved to be his last match.

Azhar will be remembered as a Test batsman, having scored a triple and a double hundred in the last two years.

"I feel that the time is right for me to announce my retirement from the one-day international format so that I can focus with my full energy on Tests and serve Pakistan longer," Azhar told a press conference.

Azhar´s tally of runs in 53 one-day internationals stood at 1,845 runs at an average of 36.90 including three hundreds and 12 half centuries.

"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," said Azhar. (AFP/Web)