Daily Times

KARACHI: Former ODI skipper Azhar Ali has admitted he has not been performing at the required level of late but vowed to make a comeback after being dropped for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe. Azhar – who has featured in 65 Tests and 53 ODIs for Pakistan -admitted that his form was not up to the mark in the recently concluded tour of Ireland, England and Scotland, and accepted the selection committee’s decision to drop him from the side. The 33-year-old veteran refused to feel sorry for himself though and has promised to put in the hard yards in a bid to regain his place as he aims to represent Pakistan for ‘many years to come’.

“Selectors must have named a squad bearing in mind the requirements of the team,” said Azhar. “I’m not unhappy with the decision and will continue working towards making a comeback. Pakistan have given me everything and that keeps me motivated to serve the country for many years to come.” Azhar revealed he would be working on his form and fitness levels. “I will join the summer camp to improve my fitness and eradicate some of the weaknesses in my game.”

Azhar warned his teammates of complacency and said that Zimbabwe would be a tough team to beat in home conditions. However, he was hopeful that Pakistan would win both the T20I triangular series, which also features world champions Australia, and the five-match ODI series against the hosts. “Zimbabwe won’t be pushovers as they will have the advantage of home conditions,” he said.

Published in Daily Times, June 25^th 2018.