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Azhar Ali

Azhar Ali
Azhar Ali Image: Wikimedia Commons. Pakistan Cricket / CC BY 3.0

Azhar Ali (Punjabi: اظہر علی; born 19 February 1985) is a Pakistani former international cricketer. A right-handed batter and occasional leg-break bowler, he served as captain of Pakistan's Test and One Day International (ODI) sides, and was a key member of the team that won the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. After retirement from international cricket, he became a member of the Men's National Selection Committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Key facts

Full name Azhar Ali
Born 19 February 1985
Nationality Pakistani
Batting Right-handed
Bowling Right-arm leg-break (part-time)
Test debut July 2010, vs Australia at Lord's
Roles Former captain, Pakistan Test and ODI teams
Major honour 2017 ICC Champions Trophy winner
Current role Member, PCB Men's National Selection Committee

Background

Azhar Ali rose through Pakistan's domestic cricket structure before earning international selection. Domestically, he has represented Khan Research Laboratories, Lahore, Lahore Eagles, Lahore Lions, Lahore Qalandars and Pakistan A. He has also had a stint with Huntly in Scotland.

International career

Test debut and rise

Ali made his Test debut for Pakistan against Australia in the first Test at Lord's in July 2010. Known for his patience and orthodox technique, he established himself as a mainstay in Pakistan's Test top order and was subsequently appointed captain of the Test side.

Day–night Test triple century

In October 2016, Ali scored 302 against the West Indies, becoming the first batter to register a century, double century and triple century in a day–night Test match. His score stood as the highest individual innings in a day–night Test until November 2019, when David Warner of Australia surpassed it with an unbeaten 335.

2017 ICC Champions Trophy

Ali was a notable contributor to Pakistan's victory in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, scoring 59 runs in the final.

Domestic and franchise cricket

Ali captained Lahore Qalandars in the first edition of the Pakistan Super League. His other domestic teams include Khan Research Laboratories, Lahore, Lahore Eagles, Lahore Lions and Pakistan A, along with Huntly in Scotland.

Timeline

  • 19 February 1985 – Born.
  • July 2010 – Test debut at Lord's against Australia.
  • October 2016 – Scored 302 against the West Indies in a day–night Test.
  • June 2017 – Part of the Pakistan side that won the ICC Champions Trophy.
  • August 2018 – Among thirty-three players awarded a PCB central contract for 2018–19.
  • 1 November 2018 – Announced retirement from ODI cricket.
  • 16 December 2022 – Announced retirement from Test cricket, effective after the home series against England.

Significance

Ali is regarded as one of Pakistan's most consistent Test batters of his generation. His pioneering triple century in day–night Test cricket marked a milestone in the format's short history, and his leadership across formats came during a transitional phase for Pakistani cricket.

References