Dropped Azhar admits form has been poor

Veteran batsman aims to make return by improving performance, fitness

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, according to the Daily Express. “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 will 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 will be a tough team to beat in home conditions.

However, he is hopeful that Pakistan will 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. “Pakistan are in good form but they will have to execute their game plans properly if they are to succeed.”

The Men in Green will start their tour of Zimbabwe from July 1, which will consist of a T20I tri-series with the hosts and Australia as well as a five-match ODI series against Zimbabwe.