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Azhar Ali
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Azhar Ali (Punjabi:اظہر علی; born 19 February 1985) is a Pakistani former international cricketer. He is former captain of ODI and test side of Pakistan national team.[4] He is a member of the Men's National Selection Committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Key Information
Ali made his Test debut for Pakistan against Australia in the first Test at Lord's in July 2010. An agile right-hand batter and a part-time leg-break bowler, Ali became the first ever centurion, double Centurion as well as triple centurion in a Day and Night Test Match, when he scored 302 against West Indies in October 2016.[5] He held the record for the highest ever individual score in an innings of a day/night Test match which was later surpassed by David Warner in November 2019 who scored unbeaten 335.[6] Ali was a major contributor to helping his country win the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, where in the final, he scored 59 runs.
Domestically, he has played for Khan Research Laboratories, Lahore, Lahore Eagles, Lahore Lions, Lahore Qalandars, Pakistan A and Huntly (Scotland) during his career. He was the captain of Lahore Qalandars in the first edition of the Pakistan Super League.[7][8]
In August 2018, he was one of thirty-three players to be awarded a central contract for the 2018–19 season by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).[9][10] On 1 November 2018, he announced his retirement from One Day International cricket.[11] On 16 December 2022, he announced that he would retire from Test cricket following the completion of the home Test series against England.[12][13]
Personal life
[edit]His father Muhammad Rafiq is also an athlete, having participated in different marathons, in 2021 winning a gold medal in Sheikhupura's 21 KM marathon race at the age of 76.[14]
In December 2020, he launched a cricket academy located in Lahore's Valancia Town.[15]
His son Ibtisam Azhar is a cricketer as well, playing as an all-rounder.[16]
Early career
[edit]
Ali started playing cricket primarily as a bowler when he was aged 13.[17] He made his first-class debut in 2002, at the age of 16, as a leg spinner.[17] In his early days, he used to bat at number 9, but was later elevated to number 8 when started playing for Khan Research Laboratories.[17]
In 2004, at the age of 19, he shifted to Scotland and started playing cricket for Huntly Cricket Club.[17] During the period at Huntly, he developed his skills as a batsman and used to open the batting for the club.[17] He played in Scotland between 2004 and 2007.[17]
Domestic career
[edit]After moving back to Pakistan, he started playing regularly for Khan Research Laboratories, and scored 503 runs at the batting average of 50.25 in 2007–2008 season.[17] Later, in 2008–2009 season, he scored 788 runs at the average of 35 with performances such as 99 and 25 in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final.[17] Because of his performances, he was selected in Pakistan A cricket team for the tours of Australia and Sri Lanka.[17]
In 2016, Ali was appointed captain of Lahore Qalandars in the first edition of Pakistan Super League. He played 7 matches and scored 180 runs in the Tournament.
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On 16 July 2018, Ali signed for Somerset for the final seven matches of the County Championship season, replacing the injured Matt Renshaw.[18] Ali subsequently scored a century in his debut match for Somerset, against Worcestershire.
In September 2019, he was named in Central Punjab's squad for the 2019–20 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy tournament.[19][20] In August 2020, he was retained in Central Punjab's squad for the 2020–21 domestic season.[21] In February 2022, he was signed by Worcestershire as Matthew Wade replacement for 2022 county championship.[22]
In December 2023, he was named in Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited's squad for the 2023–24 President's Trophy.[23] On 4 January 2024, he scored his 50th century in first-class cricket against Khan Research Laboratories.[24]
International career
[edit],_Pakistani_cricketers.jpg)
In 2010, he moved back to Scotland again in order play for Huntly club.[17] At the same time, Pakistan cricket team were scheduled to tour England and he was included in the Test squad.[17]
Starting against Australia and England
[edit]Following the exclusion of middle-order stalwarts Younus Khan and Mohammad Yousuf from the Pakistani team in 2010, Ali was drafted into the lineup for the Test series against Australia and England in July 2010. He made his debut against Australia in July, along with Umar Amin; Ali scored 17 runs in his debut innings before he was caught behind by Tim Paine. In the second innings, he scored 42 as Pakistan lost the match by 150 runs.[25] In the second Test match against Australia, he scored 30 runs in the first innings, followed by his maiden half century in the second as Pakistan recorded their first Test victory over the Australians in fifteen years.[26] He struggled in the first two Tests against England, recording a 32-ball duck during the second match as Pakistan were bundled out for 72. Following these disastrous collapses Mohammad Yousuf was recalled to the squad and Amin lost his place, but Ali was given another opportunity and found his feet in the third Test, scoring an unbeaten 92.
South Africa series in November 2010
[edit]Ali retained his place in the Test squad for the series against South Africa in November. He scored half centuries in both innings of the first Test, and helped Pakistan, chasing an improbable 451, avoid defeat with a crucial fourth-innings partnership with the returning Younus Khan. He top-scored with 90 in the first innings of the second Test, before producing another solid performance alongside captain Misbah-ul-Haq in the second innings, finishing unbeaten after facing 135 deliveries to secure another draw.
January 2011: Tour of New Zealand
[edit]Following consistent performances against South Africa backed up with experience against England and Australia the selectors picked Ali for the two-match Test series against New Zealand in January 2011, also young Pakistan batsman Asad Shafiq was given a place alongside Ali.[27] In the first innings of the first match Ali only managed 18 and wasn't required to bat in the following innings as Pakistan won by 10-wickets. During the second match of the series Ali registered his sixth half-century.
June 2012: Tour of Sri Lanka
[edit]Ali was picked in both the ODI and the Test squad for the Sri Lankan tour in 2012. He was impressive in the ODIs by scoring 96 in the 2nd ODI and 81* in the 4th ODI, and became the second Pakistani to carry his bat after Saeed Anwar. He finished the series as the leading run-scorer for Pakistan[28] Ali made his 4th Test hundred and finished on 157 in the 1st innings of the 2nd Test at SSC.[29] Ali continued his good form and made consecutive centuries as he scored 136 in the 2nd innings. His crucial innings enabled him make into the Top-10 of ICC Test Rankings for the first time, as he joined Graeme Smith on 753 points.[30]
June 2017 ICC Champions Trophy
[edit]Azhar Ali and Fakhar Zaman's partnership of 118 runs in the match against England made it the highest in the Champions Trophy history for Pakistan, and the highest opening in an ODI since 2009. The duo then scored another impressive 128 runs in the final against India. Pakistan won the match by 180 runs, the highest margin of victory for any team in an ICC tournament final.[31]
January 2021: South Africa's tour of Pakistan
[edit]In January 2021, he was named in Pakistan's 17-man squad for their historic home Test series against South Africa.[32] Azhar scored a half century in the first Test before being dismissed for 51.[33]
Captaincy
[edit]After Misbah-ul-Haq retired from ODIs, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had a tough job to do while appointing Misbah's successor. The potential candidates were either too inconsistent or had some disciplinary issues. Sarfraz Ahmad gave the selectors a long thought but the board finally decided to go in favor of Azhar Ali who hadn't played ODI cricket for almost 2 years at the time of his appointment. While this decision was opposed by many, Ali seemed determined to take the Pakistani team right on top.[34]
Pakistan tour of Bangladesh
[edit]At the end of April, Pakistan ended up on the wrong side of a whitewash in Bangladesh. Under his captaincy, Pakistan played their first ODI series against Bangladesh. The tournament was disappointing as Pakistan lost all three ODIs. Ali came to the side with good scores of 62 and 101, his maiden ODI century but could not prevent his team from the whitewash. This was Pakistan's first series lost to Bangladesh.[35]
Zimbabwe tour of Pakistan
[edit]Zimbabwe tour to Pakistan, after a lapse of six years, proved fruitful for him as Pakistan under his captaincy won the three match ODI series 2–0. He scored his second ODI century in front of the home crowd in the second ODI.[36]
Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka
[edit]Pakistan's quest for ICC Champions Trophy qualification received a significant boost against Sri Lanka. Pakistan cricket team won the series after nine years in Sri Lanka. Pakistan team had got last victory in 2006 in the leadership of Inzamam Ul Haq.[37] Ali scored most of the runs in this series, and became the Fastest Pakistani batsman to 1000 ODI runs, scoring them in only 21 innings.[38]
Ahmed Shehzad spoke at the end of the game praising Ali for allowing him to play his natural game. He said
"Azhar is in the form of his life at the moment and he gives us confidence to play our natural game, When you see him at the other end, it makes you bat positively".[39]
Pakistan tour of England
[edit]In August 2016, Pakistan toured England and Ireland for a full tour. Ali had a good Test tour highlight of which was 139 against England in Birmingham in a losing effort. He scored 30 in the final Test at the Oval to finish Test series at 2–2. He finished as the second highest runscorer for Pakistan in the Test series. The following ODI series for Pakistan was abysmal and was one of the worst in history of Pakistan in England. Ali captained his side in a 4–1 losing effort, which included a thumping 169 run loss in which England scored a world record score of 444 runs in an innings. Ali scored 208 runs in 5 innings including two scores of 80 and 82.His tally was the second most of any Pakistani in that series.
Ali was criticized for his captaincy as well as low personal scoring rate. After the England series there were rumors that Ali might step down as captain of Pakistan ODI team. He quashed all such rumors and vowed to continue as captain of ODI team. PCB and coach Mickey Arthur backed him and he was retained as ODI skipper against West Indies in UAE.
West Indies in UAE against Pakistan in 2016
[edit]After winning the T20 series 3–0 Pakistan won the ODI series as well. Pakistan won the first match by 111 Runs making it the 4th highest winning margin against west indies by Pakistan.[40] Babar Azam scored record 3 back to back centuries and Pakistan won the 2nd match by 59 runs.[41] Ali scored his 3rd ODI hundred in the 3rd match of the series and became the first Pakistani captain to score 3 centuries as captain.[42] Also Pakistan won the Test match series 2–1 and Azhar ali scored 300 in the first Test match.
He was also named in the Test XI of the year 2016 by Cricinfo.[43]
Australia in 2016
[edit]During the Australia tour, Ali only managed to score 37 runs in three-ODIs and lost the series 4–1 to Australia. He only scored well in Test series. He scored a double century in the second Test match at Melbourne, which is recorded as the highest Test score by a Pakistani player in Australia[44] and the second highest Test score by a visiting player at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.[44] Despite this, his contribution from the bat and with captaincy was below par throughout the ODI series.[45] With the conclusion of the series, Ali resigned from ODI captaincy in February 2017.[46]
Australia in 2019
[edit]In October 2019, ahead of Pakistan's tour to Australia, Sarfaraz Ahmed was sacked as captain of Pakistan's team, following Pakistan's poor run of form.[47] Azhar was named as the captain of the Test side in his place.[48]
England in 2020
[edit]In June 2020, he was named as the Test captain of a 29-man squad for Pakistan's tour to England during the COVID-19 pandemic.[49][50] In July, he was shortlisted in Pakistan's 20-man squad for the Test matches against England.[51][52] In the third and final Test of the series, he scored his 6,000th run in Test cricket.[53]
International centuries
[edit]Azhar has scored 19 centuries in Test matches and three in ODIs. His highest Test score of 302 not out came against West Indies in October 2016. His highest ODI score of 102 came against Zimbabwe in May 2015.
| No. | Score | Against | Pos. | Inn. | Test | Venue | H/A/N | Date | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100 |  Sri Lanka |
3 | 2 | 2/3 | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai | Neutral | 26 October 2011 | Won | [55] |
| 2 | 157 |  England |
3 | 3 | 3/3 | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai | Neutral | 3 February 2012 | Won | [56] |
| 3 | 157 | Sri Lanka |
3 | 1 | 2/3 | Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo | Away | 30 June 2012 | Drawn | [57] |
| 4 | 136 | Sri Lanka |
3 | 3 | 3/3 | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy | Away | 8 July 2012 | Drawn | [58] |
| 5 | 103 | Sri Lanka |
3 | 4 | 3/3 | Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium, Sharjah | Neutral | 16 January 2014 | Won | [59] |
| 6 | 109 |  Australia |
3 | 1 | 2/2 | Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi | Neutral | 30 October 2014 | Won | [60] |
| 7 | 100* | Australia |
3 | 3 | ||||||
| 8 | 226 |  Bangladesh |
3 | 1 | 2/2 | Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium, Dhaka | Away | 6 May 2015 | Won | [61] |
| 9 | 117 | Sri Lanka |
3 | 3 | 2/3 | Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu Stadium, Colombo | Away | 25 June 2015 | Lost | [62] |
| 10 | 139 | England |
3 | 2 | 3/4 | Edgbaston, Birmingham | Away | 3 August 2016 | Lost | [63] |
| 11 | 302* |  West Indies |
2 | 1 | 1/3 | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai | Neutral | 13 October 2016 | Won | [64] |
| 12 | 205* | Australia |
2 | 1 | 2/3 | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne | Away | 26 December 2016 | Lost | [65] |
| 13 | 105 | West Indies |
1 | 2 | 2/3 | Kensington Oval, Bridgetown | Away | 30 April 2017 | Lost | [66] |
| 14 | 127 | West Indies |
1 | 1 | 3/3 | Windsor Park, Roseau | Away | 10 May 2017 | Won | [67] |
| 15 | 134 |  New Zealand |
3 | 2 | 3/3 | Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi | Neutral | 3 December 2018 | Lost | [68] |
| 16 | 118 | Sri Lanka |
3 | 3 | 3/3 | National Stadium, Karachi | Home | 19 December 2019 | Won | [69] |
| 17 | 141* | England |
3 | 2 | 3/3 | Rose Bowl, Southampton | Away | 21 August 2020 | Drawn | [70] |
| 18 | 126 |  Zimbabwe |
3 | 1 | 2/2 | Harare Sports Club, Harare | Away | 7 May 2021 | Won | [71] |
| 19 | 185 | Australia |
3 | 1 | 1/3 | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi | Home | 4 March 2022 | Drawn | [72] |
| No. | Score | Against | Pos. | Inn. | S/R | Venue | H/A/N | Date | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 101 | Bangladesh |
1 | 1 | 90.17 | Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium, Dhaka | Away | 22 April 2015 | Lost | [74] |
| 2 | 102 | Zimbabwe |
1 | 2 | 98.07 | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | Home | 29 May 2015 | Won | [75] |
| 3 | 101 | West Indies |
1 | 1 | 92.66 | Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi | Neutral | 5 October 2016 | Won | [76] |
Post-retirement
[edit]Cricket administration
[edit]In November 2024, Ali was appointed as the PCB’s Head of Youth Development. In this role, he will focus on nurturing young talent, building grassroots structures, and mentoring players under the PCB Pathways Programme.[77]
References
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...Both Ajju [Azhar Ali] and myself decided...
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- ^ "Azhar Ali hits 50th first-class ton, Afaq's six-fer demolishes Wapda". The Nation. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
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- ^ "1st Test: Australia v Pakistan at Lord's, Jul 13–16, 2010 – Cricket Scorecard – ESPN Cricinfo". Retrieved 8 September 2016.
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- ^ "Azhar Ali makes into Top-10 in ICC rankings". Cricket.Org.PK. Archived from the original on 21 December 2012. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
- ^ "Final: India v Pakistan at The Oval, Jun 18, 2017 | Cricket Scorecard | ESPN Cricinfo". Cricinfo. Retrieved 19 June 2017.
- ^ "Abdullah Shafique among three dropped as Pakistan cut Test squad to 17". ESPN Cricinfo. Retrieved 25 January 2021.
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- ^ "2nd Test, Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka at Colombo (PSS), Jun 25-29 2015". ESPNcricinfo. Archived from the original on 7 June 2018. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
- ^ "3rd Investec Test, Pakistan tour of England and Ireland at Birmingham, Aug 3-7 2016". ESPNcricinfo. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
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External links
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Azhar Ali
View on GrokipediaPersonal life
Early life
Azhar Ali was born on 19 February 1985 in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. He grew up in the city in a sports-oriented family, with his father, Muhammad Rafiq, serving as an accomplished athlete who competed in numerous marathons and, at the age of 76, won a gold medal in a 21 km race in Sheikhupura in 2021.[2][9][10] Ali was introduced to cricket at the age of 13, initially playing primarily as a leg-spinner in local clubs in Lahore. His father supported these early efforts by conducting throwdown sessions to build his skills and confidence outside formal nets.[11][12][13] From his formative years, Ali drew inspiration from Pakistani cricket legends, particularly Inzamam-ul-Haq, whose epic triple century in Lahore in 2002 left a lasting impression on the young player serving as a substitute fielder. This period of local club involvement laid the groundwork for his transition to more structured training.[14]Family
Azhar Ali is married to Naila Azhar, with whom he has three sons: Ibtisam, Azan, and Azlan.[15][16] His family has provided unwavering support throughout his career, making significant sacrifices that were instrumental to his achievements; in his retirement statement, Ali emphasized that his parents, wife, siblings, and children were his primary source of strength.[17] This support extended to career transitions, such as his periods playing county cricket in England, where he endured separations of up to two months before emotional reunions with his family upon returning home.[18] Ali's father, Muhammad Rafiq, played a key role in fostering his early interest in sports.[15] In a philanthropic endeavor, Ali established the Azhar Ali Cricket Academy in Lahore's Valencia Town in November 2020, aimed at nurturing young talent and providing structured training opportunities for aspiring cricketers in the region.[19]Domestic career
Early domestic career
Azhar Ali made his first-class debut at the age of 16 for Lahore Blues in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy during the 2002/03 season, initially featuring as a leg-spin bowler while batting in the lower order. Over the subsequent years, he honed his skills as a top-order batsman, transitioning from occasional bowling to a primary role with the bat, and represented teams such as Khan Research Laboratories in Pakistan's premier domestic competitions.[2] His early domestic career was marked by steady progress in tournaments like the Patron's Trophy and ABN-AMRO Cup, where he began establishing himself as a reliable opener known for his compact technique and patience. In the 2006/07 ABN-AMRO Patron's Trophy, Ali played a supporting role for Khan Research Laboratories, contributing to their competitive showings in Group B matches against strong opponents like Water and Power Development Authority. The following season, 2007/08, saw a breakthrough as he accumulated 503 runs at an average of 50.25 across domestic fixtures, demonstrating improved consistency and shot selection.[13] A pivotal moment came in March 2007 during the Pentangular Cup, when Ali scored his maiden first-class century—an unbeaten 115 against Habib Bank Limited at the National Stadium in Karachi—helping Khan Research Laboratories salvage a draw on the final day after a challenging position.[20] This knock, his first three-figure score in 10 first-class matches, highlighted his growing maturity and ability to anchor innings under pressure.[21] Ali's rising form earned him selection for the Pakistan A team in 2009, including a developmental tour to Australia where he produced two patient innings in the 70s against an Australia A bowling attack featuring Doug Bollinger, Ben Hilfenhaus, and Peter Siddle, showcasing his temperament on challenging pitches.[2] These performances in domestic and A-team cricket underscored his readiness for higher levels, setting the stage for his international breakthrough later that year.County cricket
Azhar Ali began his county cricket career with Somerset in 2010, securing his first contract with the club and featuring in 10 first-class matches during the County Championship season. In these outings, he accumulated 579 runs at an impressive batting average of 40.64, demonstrating his solid technique early in English conditions.[22] Ali later joined Worcestershire for multiple stints between 2013 and 2015, returning in 2018 and again in 2023 following his international retirement. His most notable season came in 2014, where he scored 1,184 runs in the County Championship, playing a pivotal role in the team's promotion to Division One after a decade in the second tier. A highlight was his score of 217 against Yorkshire, which underscored his ability to anchor innings on seaming pitches. Worcestershire clinched promotion in a dramatic final match against Surrey, with Ali's consistent contributions providing stability to the batting lineup.[23][24] Throughout his county engagements, Ali faced challenges adapting to the variable English weather and seam-friendly conditions, which often tested his patience and footwork compared to subcontinental pitches. Balancing these commitments with international duties for Pakistan occasionally limited his availability, yet his experience abroad honed his resilience against swing and seam movement.[25]Later domestic career
Following his establishment on the international stage, Azhar Ali maintained a strong presence in Pakistan's domestic circuit, balancing commitments with national duties. In the inaugural Pakistan Super League (PSL) in 2016, he captained Lahore Qalandars, leading the side through eight matches where they secured two wins and finished fifth overall. During the tournament, Ali contributed 180 runs at an average of 25.71, including a highest score of 61 against Quetta Gladiators, showcasing his adaptability to T20 cricket despite his reputation as a Test specialist.[2] Ali's first-class performances remained consistent in key domestic competitions post-2015, particularly in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. Representing Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) in the 2015–16 edition, he scored a crucial half-century (55) in a Pool A match against Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), helping his team secure a three-wicket victory and contributing to their strong group standing. Later seasons saw him switch to Central Punjab for the 2019–20 tournament, where he anchored the batting lineup amid challenging conditions. His most notable contribution came in the 2023–24 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy for Khan Research Laboratories, scoring 140 against WAPDA to reach his 50th first-class century, a milestone achieved by only nine Pakistani players. These efforts underscored his enduring technique and run-scoring ability in red-ball cricket.[26][27] After retiring from international cricket in December 2022, Ali continued participating in domestic events through 2024, opting out of the 2025/26 season, while increasingly mentoring younger players in team environments. In the 2023–24 season, his leadership and batting guidance helped nurture emerging talent at Khan Research Laboratories during the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy campaign. By the end of his domestic playing career, Ali had amassed 16,814 runs in 268 first-class matches at an average of 39.38, including 50 centuries—a testament to his longevity and impact on Pakistan's domestic landscape. Transitioning further into coaching by 2025, he led U19 workshops across Pakistan as part of the Pakistan Cricket Board's youth development initiatives until resigning from PCB roles on November 18, 2025.[27][28][29]International career
ODI career
Azhar Ali made his One Day International (ODI) debut on 30 May 2011 against Ireland at Stormont, Belfast, where he scored 39 runs off 50 balls, helping Pakistan secure a 5-wicket victory.[2] His early ODI career was marked by inconsistency, as he managed only 4 runs against England in his second match on 3 June 2011 at The Oval and 19 runs in the third ODI on 6 June 2011 at the same venue, reflecting initial struggles to adapt to the limited-overs format.[30] Despite these modest starts, Ali's solid technique and composure positioned him as a reliable opener for Pakistan in white-ball cricket. Ali's breakthrough came during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he played six matches and accumulated 247 runs at an average of 49.40, providing stability to Pakistan's top order during their semi-final campaign. A notable performance was his 51 runs off 78 balls against Sri Lanka in the quarter-final at Colombo on 31 March 2011, which helped Pakistan chase down 235 to advance, though they ultimately fell short in the semi-final against India. This tournament showcased his ability to anchor innings under pressure, earning him greater trust in the ODI setup. Ali reached his peak in ODIs during the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, scoring 228 runs across five matches at an average of 45.60 and a strike rate of 74.03, playing a pivotal role in Pakistan's triumphant campaign. Key contributions included a gritty 50 off 65 balls in the group-stage opener against India on 4 June 2017 at Edgbaston, stabilizing the innings after an early collapse, and a match-winning 76 off 100 balls in the semi-final against England on 14 June 2017 at Cardiff, which guided Pakistan to a comfortable chase of 212. In the final against India on 18 June 2017 at The Oval, his composed 59 off 71 balls formed the backbone of Pakistan's 338 for 4, setting up a 180-run victory and securing the title. On 1 November 2018, Azhar Ali announced his retirement from ODIs to focus on Test cricket, ending his career in the format with 53 matches, 1,845 runs at an average of 36.90, including three centuries and 12 half-centuries.[31] During his tenure as ODI captain from 2015 to 2017, he led Pakistan in 31 matches, overseeing a mix of results that culminated in the 2017 Champions Trophy success before stepping down.[2][32]Test career
Azhar Ali made his Test debut for Pakistan against England at Lord's on 6 August 2010. Batting at No. 3, he scored 16 in the first innings, dismissed by Ben Hilfenhaus, and 42 in the second innings, again falling to Hilfenhaus, in a match Pakistan lost by 9 wickets. Despite the modest returns, his composed 42 in testing conditions hinted at his potential as a solid middle-order anchor.[33] Ali's breakthrough came in his 12th Test, when he scored his maiden century of 100 against Sri Lanka in the second Test at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on 27 October 2011. Arriving at the crease with Pakistan struggling at 181 for 3, he steadied the innings with a patient knock off 242 balls, featuring 10 fours, before being dismissed lbw by Tillakaratne Dilshan. This effort helped Pakistan post 403 and secure a 149-run victory, marking a significant step in his emergence as a reliable batsman on turning tracks.[34] Over the course of his Test career, Ali accumulated 7,097 runs in 97 matches at an average of 42.26, including 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries. His standout performances included an unbeaten 302 against West Indies in the first Test at Dubai in October 2016—the fourth triple-century by a Pakistani batsman and the highest score in a day-night Test at the time—which powered Pakistan to a declaration at 579 for 3 and a comprehensive 56-run win. Another highlight was his 205 against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the Boxing Day Test of December 2019, the first double-century by a visiting opener at the venue, contributing to Pakistan's total of 397 in a drawn match. These knocks underscored his ability to build long innings and thrive in high-pressure scenarios.[2][35] Ali's form waned in the later stages of his career, particularly from 2020 to 2022, where he averaged 25.00 across 18 Tests amid increasing criticism for his strike rate and consistency against pace and spin. This period saw Pakistan endure several defeats, with Ali struggling to convert starts into substantial scores on home soil and abroad. His international career concluded in the third Test against England at Karachi's National Stadium from 17 to 20 December 2022, where he announced his retirement beforehand. Batting at No. 3, Ali scored 21 in the first innings, partnering with Babar Azam for 71 runs before being bowled by James Anderson, as Pakistan reached 304. In the second innings, chasing 167, he was dismissed for 0 by Jack Leach, caught at slip, as England completed an eight-wicket victory for a 3-0 series whitewash. Ali received a guard of honour and emotional tributes, ending his Test journey on a poignant note.[36][37]T20I career
Azhar Ali did not feature in any Twenty20 International (T20I) matches for Pakistan during his international career, which spanned from 2010 to 2022.[31] Despite establishing himself as a reliable top-order batter in Tests and ODIs, he was never selected for the shortest format, as his compact, patient technique was deemed better suited to longer games where he could anchor innings rather than accelerate aggressively.[2] His absence from T20Is reflected Pakistan's preference for more explosive players in that role, allowing Azhar to focus exclusively on the 50-over and multi-day formats.[31]Captaincy
ODI captaincy
Azhar Ali was appointed Pakistan's ODI captain on March 28, 2015, by Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shahryar Khan, taking over from Misbah-ul-Haq after a disappointing performance in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup.[38] His appointment came despite limited recent ODI experience, as Ali had not played the format since 2013, but was justified by his strong Test record and leadership potential.[39] Ali's tenure began with a challenging three-match series against Bangladesh in April 2015, resulting in a 0-3 defeat, though he personally scored his maiden ODI century (101) in the final match. Subsequent series yielded mixed results, including a 2-0 home win over Zimbabwe in May 2015 and a clean sweep of 3-0 against West Indies in the UAE (neutral venue) in September-October 2016, showcasing his ability to dominate weaker opponents. However, losses to stronger sides, such as 1-3 against England in November 2015 and 1-4 against Australia in January 2017, highlighted inconsistencies, with Pakistan dropping to a low of ninth in the ICC ODI rankings during his leadership. Overall, Ali captained in 31 ODIs, securing 12 wins and 18 losses.[40] In his captaincy approach, Ali prioritized team unity over individual achievements, stating early in his tenure that "unity is the most important aspect for any team to win" and aiming to foster a collective mindset among players.[41] He also focused on strengthening batting depth, encouraging contributions from the middle order to support top-order stability, which was evident in series wins where partnerships extended innings totals beyond 250.[38] His tenure ended just before Pakistan's successful 2017 ICC Champions Trophy campaign under Sarfaraz Ahmed. Ali stepped down as ODI captain in February 2017 following the Australia series loss, with Sarfaraz Ahmed replacing him.[42] He continued playing ODIs until announcing his retirement from the format on November 1, 2018, citing a desire to focus on Test cricket and reflecting fondly on leading "incredibly talented players" in 31 matches as captain.[43]Test captaincy
Azhar Ali first took on the role of Test captain on an interim basis during Pakistan's tour of New Zealand in November 2016, leading the team in the second Test at Hamilton after Misbah-ul-Haq returned home for personal reasons. Pakistan suffered a 0-2 series defeat, with Ali's side collapsing in both matches against a dominant New Zealand pace attack. In October 2019, following Sarfaraz Ahmed's removal as captain after a string of defeats—including a 0-2 home loss to Sri Lanka—Ali was appointed as Pakistan's full-time Test captain ahead of the 2019-2021 ICC World Test Championship cycle. His first series in the role was a home encounter against Sri Lanka in December 2019, where Pakistan secured a 1-0 victory: the first Test in Rawalpindi ended in a draw, while the second Test in Karachi was won by 263 runs, thanks to centuries from Babar Azam, Abid Ali, and Shan Masood. This success was followed by a 2-0 whitewash against Bangladesh in February 2020, with Pakistan dominating both Tests in Rawalpindi and Karachi through strong bowling performances from Yasir Shah and Shaheen Afridi, marking Ali's most convincing series win as captain. Ali's tenure faced significant challenges abroad. The tour of Australia in November-December 2019 resulted in a 0-2 defeat, with Pakistan struggling against Australia's pace trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc in Brisbane and Adelaide, exposing vulnerabilities in the batting lineup on seaming pitches. This was compounded by a 0-1 series loss to England during the 2020 tour, where the first Test at Old Trafford was England's only victory by 3 wickets; the second Test at Southampton and the third Test at Old Trafford ended in draws, but the overall result highlighted Pakistan's difficulties in English conditions. Over his two stints, Ali captained Pakistan in ten Test matches, achieving three wins, four losses, and three draws for a win percentage of 30%.[2] He stepped down as captain on 10 November 2020, with Babar Azam named as his successor ahead of the home series against Zimbabwe, allowing Ali to focus on his batting in the middle order.[44] Throughout his leadership, Ali was credited with providing stability to Pakistan's fragile top order, often anchoring innings himself—averaging 29.57 with the bat during his captaincy spells—while fostering a team environment that emphasized resilience in red-ball cricket.[45]Retirement and legacy
Retirement
Azhar Ali announced his retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs) on 1 November 2018, explaining that the decision would allow him to concentrate fully on Test cricket.[31] At the time, he had already been largely absent from Pakistan's ODI setup for several months, with his final appearance in the format occurring against New Zealand on 13 January 2018.[2] His involvement in Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) had effectively concluded earlier, with the last of his 10 matches played against England on 6 December 2015 during a series in the United Arab Emirates; he received no further selections in the format thereafter.[2] Azhar Ali's Test retirement came on 16 December 2022, midway through Pakistan's home series against England, as he opted to step away after the third and final match at the National Stadium in Karachi.[37] In that emotional farewell game, which began the following day, he contributed 21 runs in the first innings before being dismissed, marking the end of his international career on a poignant note amid tributes from teammates and opponents.[36] Reflecting on the decision at age 37, Azhar Ali stated that he realized it was the appropriate moment to make way for younger players, allowing the next generation to build on the foundation he had helped establish.[46] Over his 12-year international tenure, he amassed 7,142 runs in 97 Tests at an average of 42.26, 1,845 runs in 53 ODIs at 36.90, and 76 runs in 10 T20Is at 8.44.[2]Post-retirement activities
Following his retirement from international cricket, Azhar Ali returned to county cricket with Worcestershire for the 2023 season as an overseas player. He featured in the County Championship Division Two and the One-Day Cup, contributing with consistent batting performances, including a half-century of 78 against Glamorgan in the One-Day Cup.[47] His experience helped Worcestershire secure promotion to Division One that year.[48] In December 2023, Ali applied for the position of Director at the Pakistan Cricket Board's National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore.[49] The PCB nominated him for the role in January 2024, seeking approval from the federal sports minister, though the appointment did not materialize at that time.[50] Later, in November 2024, he was appointed as the PCB's Head of Youth Development following a recruitment process.[7] In this capacity, Ali designed and implemented youth cricket strategies, including grassroots programs and the PCB Pathways Programme to nurture emerging talent. He leveraged his international playing experience to mentor young players, emphasizing technical and tactical development. By October 2025, he co-led nationwide U19 coaching workshops to prepare for the 2025-26 domestic season.[28] However, on 18 November 2025, Ali resigned from the Head of Youth Development role, as well as from his position on the national selection committee (to which he was appointed in October 2024), amid reports of internal discontent.[8][29] Ali has also engaged in media roles, providing expert analysis during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 season, where he critiqued team strategies and player performances, such as highlighting challenges faced by Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Afridi.[51] Additionally, through his involvement in Lahore-based cricket initiatives, he mentors aspiring players at local academies, focusing on holistic development.International centuries
Test centuries
| No. | Score | Opponent | Venue | Date | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100 | Sri Lanka | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai | 26 October 2011 | Drawn |
| 2 | 157 | England | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai | 3 February 2012 | Won |
| 3 | 157 | Sri Lanka | Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo | 30 June 2012 | Lost |
| 4 | 136 | Sri Lanka | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy | 8 July 2012 | Won |
| 5 | 103 | Sri Lanka | Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah | 16 January 2014 | Drawn |
| 6 | 109 | Australia | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 30 October 2014 | Lost |
| 7 | 100* | Australia | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 30 October 2014 | Lost |
| 8 | 226 | Bangladesh | Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur | 6 May 2015 | Drawn |
| 9 | 117 | Sri Lanka | P Saravanamuttu Stadium, Colombo | 25 June 2015 | Drawn |
| 10 | 139 | England | Edgbaston, Birmingham | 3 August 2016 | Lost |
| 11 | 302* | West Indies | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai | 13 October 2016 | Won |
| 12 | 205* | Australia | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne | 26 December 2016 | Lost |
| 13 | 105 | West Indies | Kensington Oval, Bridgetown | 30 April 2017 | Drawn |
| 14 | 127 | West Indies | Windsor Park, Roseau | 10 May 2017 | Won |
| 15 | 134 | New Zealand | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 3 December 2018 | Won |
| 16 | 118 | Sri Lanka | National Stadium, Karachi | 19 December 2019 | Won |
| 17 | 141* | England | Rose Bowl, Southampton | 21 August 2020 | Lost |
| 18 | 126 | Zimbabwe | Harare Sports Club, Harare | 7 May 2021 | Won |
| 19 | 185 | Australia | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi | 4 March 2022 | Drawn |
ODI centuries
| No. | Score | Opponent | Venue | Date | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 101 | Bangladesh | Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur | 22 April 2015 | Lost |
| 2 | 102 | Zimbabwe | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 29 May 2015 | Won |
| 3 | 101 | West Indies | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 5 October 2016 | Won |