Azhar Ali responds to rumours of his sacking as Pakistan’s Test captain

Azhar Ali, the Pakistan Test captain, responded to the speculations surrounding his removal as skipper from the longest format. Earlier, it was learned that he will be removed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), but it hasn’t fazed Azhar one bit. The veteran said that the PCB is yet to have a discussion with him, surrounding leadership roles.

For the time being, Azhar doesn’t wish to pay heed to the rumours, which he feels are baseless. He was appointed as the Test skipper after Sarfaraz Ahmed was sacked in 2019. Azhar has led Pakistan in the ICC World Test Championship and his sole focus is to play the sport as of now.

It makes no sense to think about these things: Azhar Ali

“The PCB has not spoken to me about this and I also know about these rumours through the media so I am not in a position to say anything on this,” Azhar was quoted as saying to the media in a virtual press conference in Karachi.

“What can I say when no one has spoken to me on this subject, for now, I just think these are only rumours and nothing else. It makes no sense to think about these things because I am focussing on the first-class matches and international cricket. Look when anyone talks to me about this officially then I will be in a position to say something,” he stated.

Azhar made his Test debut way back in 2010 against Australia at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. Ever since then, he has been an integral member of the Test team. In 81 Tests, the 35-year-old has 6,129 runs at an average of 42.86 to go with 17 centuries and 51 half-centuries. However, in the last couple of years, his form has dipped quite a bit.

Nevertheless, back in August, his 141 runs off 272 balls helped Pakistan draw the third Test against England. In the last two years, he has an average of 30.41 and 21.73 respectively. Wasim Khan, the PCB CEO, told to a television channel that a meeting could be held on November 11 to decide on Azhar’s future.