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