Azhar Ali steps down as Pak ODI captain

Wednesday 15th February 2017 08:43 EST
 

Wicketkeeper-batsman Azhar Ali has stepped down from the post of Pakistan ODI skipper in the wake of mounting pressure on his leadership following the 1-4 defeat in the five-match ODI series against Australia. Sarfraz Ahmed, who has led Pakistan in one ODI and four Twenty20 Internationals, will now take over reins of both the sides. Azhar, in a meeting with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar Khan in Dubai, had informed that he wants to quit from the post in order to shift his focus entirely on his batting, following which the PCB immediately appointed Sarfraz as the captain.

Under Azhar's leadership, Pakistan won only five out of 10 bilateral series, two of them were against Zimbabwe, and one each against Ireland, Sri Lanka and West Indies. Besides, Pakistan also slipped to a record-low ninth spot in the ODI rankings under him.

Sarfraz, who has impressed while leading the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Quetta Gladiators and T20I team, will now play his first series as a full-time ODI skipper against West Indies in April.


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