Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali returns to white-ball cricket after three years

KARACHI: Worcestershire County Cricket Club Saturday announced the signing of Azhar Ali for the Royal London Cup 2022, confirming the former Pakistan captain's return to ODIs after three years.

Azhar, who had also represented Worcestershire in the County Championship 2022, accumulated 6278 runs at an average of 47.20 with 17 centuries and 36 half-centuries in List A cricket.

"Azhar has now agreed to also be part of their squad for the 50-over competition throughout August in a huge boost to the Rapids’ hopes of glory," Worcestershire said in a statement.

Speaking on the occasion, the right-handed batter said: "I love List A cricket and am delighted to be able to play the entire Royal London Cup campaign.

"The Rapids had some good victories in last year's competition, including a magnificent performance to win at Essex."

"I hope I can play my part in helping them to do even better and qualify for the knockout stages, and then, who knows what can happen?

"There are some fine players in our squad, and we have the capabilities to do well," he added.

Azhar, 37, last played white-ball cricket in 2019 when he represented Somerset County Cricket Club in the same competition.

It should be mentioned here that Azhar represented Pakistan in 53 ODIs, scoring 1845 runs at an average of 36.2 before retiring in 2018.