Azhar Ali announces retirement from Test cricket

Pakistani batsman, Azhar Ali announced his retirement from Test cricket on the eve of the third test against England in Karachi, which begins on December 17. He will finish three Tests shy of passing the 100-test milestone and move up to fifth place on Pakistan’s all-time runs-scoring list. “It has been a great honour and privilege for me to represent my country at the highest level. Deciding on when to call it a day is always tough, but, after contemplating deeply, I realised that this is the right time for me to retire from Test cricket,” the batter announced as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. The former captain thanked the people that have been part of his cricketing journey and termed his career arduous yet beautiful. “There are many people who I am grateful to in this 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. I have been blessed to share a dressing room with some of the most outstanding cricketers with whom I share 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,” expressed Azhar.