Worcestershire re-sign Azhar Ali for 2023 season

Azhar Ali | Source: Twitter

Worcestershire County Cricket Club have signed Pakistan veteran batter Azhar Ali for the 2023 edition of the County Championship following his previous season's heroics in the first-class tournament. 

The 37-year-old scored 607 County Championship runs at an average of 46.69, including one century and three half-centuries. In the Royal London Cup, he fetched 185 runs, with 130 against Northants being his highest score there. 

Paul Pridgeon, the Worcestershire Cricket Steering Group Chairman, confirmed the development stating:  

“Azhar has loved it here and wants to come back and do a job for us again next season, and we are delighted he has signed for another year.

“To get someone who is available for most of, if not the entire season, again is another bonus with your overseas player because I think it is going to be harder and harder to do that.

“He has had interest from other first-class counties as well, but he has indicated he has really loved being in Worcestershire, and his family is settled here.” 

It is pertinent to mention here that the deal has been signed for the entire County Championship and Royal London Cup, keeping Azhar's Pakistan commitments in mind. 

Delighted to be coming back: Azhar Ali 

Azhar Ali is one of the most experienced campaigners in Pakistan's Test set-up, having played cricket for more than 12 years. 

He has a prolific record in red-ball cricket, scoring more than 7000 runs from 95 Tests at an average of 42.60 with the help of 19 centuries and 50 half-centuries.

The former Pakistan Test captain enjoyed the previous season with Worcestershire and has expressed his delight on signing with the Club for the upcoming season. 

"Being part of the Worcestershire setup has been such an enjoyable experience for me, and I’m delighted to be coming back for another year," Azhar said.

"There is so much potential in this squad, and, as well as being glad that I’ve been able to play my part with the bat, I’ve been happy to pass on my knowledge and experience to other people." 

Worcestershire also acquired the services of Warwickshire batter Adam Hose and Yorkshire bowler Matthew Waite for the next season.  

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