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I'm sorry Azhar Ali, I salute you for your efforts for Pakistan!

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Usman Chadda

Senior T20I Player
Joined
Dec 19, 2005
Runs
19,771
Might seem like an emotional thread, but I salute this man. Opened a thread for him after that 4th June loss and was absolutely scathing in my criticism. But Azhar Ali, you are a champion. You played like a champion. You set the tone at the top of the order. When Fakhar was nervous and struggling, you took control and guided him through a difficult period. You just looked a million dollars out there. You deserved more runs today. You really did. Even in the semi-final, you were outstanding. I don't care if you score a series of ducks till you retire after this, you are a champion cricketer and we are all proud to have someone like you representing our country.

I will gladly eat 59 humble pies today if I can atone for all what I've said against you in the past few weeks. You have earned the respect of millions of fans today. Salute Azhar Ali, you are a champion.
 
See I am not a huge Azhar or Hafeez fan but I mentioned this in a previous thread that we don't understand the value of experience as fans quite often. We are always looking for the next shiny new toy but experienced players are very important to the team. Both of them did very well today.
 
Will go down as one of Pakistans greats. Plenty of humble pie will be served.
 
Can't believe that Azhar scored 50+ and Pakistan scored 330+.

Thank you Azhar and sorry for criticizing you.
 
Our fans are so fickle. Stay grounded. He is needed in the top order based on our combustible nature, but let's not one win change the fact his ODI batting could use some tweaking. We can only afford one of him, Shehzad and hafeez in the team if they bat at their current strike rates.

So I would say job well done but hope you continue to improve in ODIs.

In tests, without a doubt he is our numero uno!
 
Don't know why he gets so much hate here! Even Hasan Ali was much underrated here.


badsha001 said:
He still needs to work on Strike Rotation and try to get more fit...
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This, he need to learn this for tricky situations.
 
Well he is in form in Test Cricket but he has played really well in the tournament. He did his job, supported fakhar and allowed fakhar to play his natural game. He needs to work on his fielding though
 
He is a fighter. But be shouldn't have to fight it out every time he comes to play in the ODis..

He is at the wrong place, no doubt about that.
 
Give credit where its due, he has definitely tried to be more positive in his strokeplay and run the singles. Still struggles to beat the inner field quite often but can't be faulted for effort.
 
Knew Azhar would come through. Can't keep a good man down. The only issue is Pakistani middle order lacks dynamic batsmen, however I don't mind if they keep hafeez batting in the 5-6 position, we all saw what he can do and he can be the finisher Pakistan is looking for.
 
Kudos to him for stepping out of his comfort zone.

Played for the team, not for his average.
 
Why? Still it doesn't tell he is an ODI player. It's not about one innings, rather the type of player - VVS Laxman once hit 3 hundreds in 2002-03 WSC, just before 2003 WC, still he was dropped from WC squad, because his game wasn't suited for ODI. Azhar played decent & unfortunate to miss a possible hundred, but still he doesn't make the ODI team.

He played decent in this tournament - but not necessarily he should be the automatic choice in ODI. No disrespect or denial of his performance, but he is a limited player who shouldn't play LO. I put it this way - if Sharjeel is cleared today - which 2 players PAK should play as LO openers?
 
Azhar Ali is gentleman, I respect that but his style is not suitable for modern ODI. We cannot have all three Azhar, Malik, Hafeez in playing 11. We need more dynamic batsman. If Sharjeel is back Pakistan can go from most Sissy team in power play a week ago to the most power house team in power play, transform from 1.0 to 2.0 in a heartbeat.

His credentials in test are unquestionable so is M Sami, they both are best test openers. But ODI Demands are very different.
 
You can never question Azhar's commitment to the cause. He may not be the most talented but he will lay down his life for the team if required.
 
MMHS said:
Why? Still it doesn't tell he is an ODI player. It's not about one innings, rather the type of player - VVS Laxman once hit 3 hundreds in 2002-03 WSC, just before 2003 WC, still he was dropped from WC squad, because his game wasn't suited for ODI. Azhar played decent & unfortunate to miss a possible hundred, but still he doesn't make the ODI team.

He played decent in this tournament - but not necessarily he should be the automatic choice in ODI. No disrespect or denial of his performance, but he is a limited player who shouldn't play LO. I put it this way - if Sharjeel is cleared today - which 2 players PAK should play as LO openers?
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I think he's apologising because some of his criticism was OTT and very emotional.

Yes you can have an opinion thinking that Azhar isn't suited for ODIs but some guys on PP went way overboard and someeone like Azhar who is such a hard worker and a top professional didn't really deserve that.
 
I have been telling everyone please give Azhar time. he is the best we have with Zaman/sharjeel. It was hurting when people criticize him. he is given the role by the team management.

Good game azhar.
 
Azhar shouldn't play ODIs.

He is a fine player but should focus on tests.
 
Boi said:
I think he's apologising because some of his criticism was OTT and very emotional.

Yes you can have an opinion thinking that Azhar isn't suited for ODIs but some guys on PP went way overboard and someeone like Azhar who is such a hard worker and a top professional didn't really deserve that.
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Most posters are frustrated for the 2 years of Azhar's Captaincy, more than anything else. He is one of the most committed, honest, hardworking & popular PAK cricketer, who is easily the best Test opener these days. That's why I say that those 2 years cost him more than it gained him - he would have been PAK's Test captain fr 5 years without those 2 years.

Since he left Captaincy, most of the posters are supportive to him. He'll end as a PAK ATG, if he reties from ODI today on high & focus on his Test career - has a realistic shot at YK's numbers.
 
Though I never questioned his commitment, I was very critical of him before and after the first match, and was even considering Shehzad as a better replacement. He proved me wrong. I take back my criticism. Always loved him as a Test Batter, but with Fakhar at the top he can stay provided he doesn't suffer a form slump.
 
MMHS said:
Most posters are frustrated for the 2 years of Azhar's Captaincy, more than anything else. He is one of the most committed, honest, hardworking & popular PAK cricketer, who is easily the best Test opener these days. That's why I say that those 2 years cost him more than it gained him - he would have been PAK's Test captain fr 5 years without those 2 years.

Since he left Captaincy, most of the posters are supportive to him. He'll end as a PAK ATG, if he reties from ODI today on high & focus on his Test career - has a realistic shot at YK's numbers.
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Whole heatedly agree with every single word. [MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION]

But important thing is, Do Mickey, Sarfraz and Grant Flower recognize this?
 
I'll eat the humble pie too. We were all too harsh on him. He is not a proper modern day ODI batsmen but he was put in the squad out of the blue after being dropped and he helped anchored many of our innings to an outstanding tournament.:azhar2
 
I had a big slice of Humble pie for Iftaari and will have a bit more at Sehri. My sincerest apologies
 
Hamza_ said:
Whole heatedly agree with every single word. [MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION]

But important thing is, Do Mickey, Sarfraz and Grant Flower recognize this?
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Mickey probably - I was listening to him with Athers/Nass & he did mention that they have identified around 10-12 young players from whom they'll form the team in next 2 years for 2019. Sarfraz is quite intelligent & double world Champion- both times against IND, can't happen that he can't see the obvious.
 
Syed1 said:
You can never question Azhar's commitment to the cause. He may not be the most talented but he will lay down his life for the team if required.
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Your signature :O :O

You were so hard on Inzi just a few days ago :uak
 
MMHS said:
Mickey probably - I was listening to him with Athers/Nass & he did mention that they have identified around 10-12 young players from whom they'll form the team in next 2 years for 2019. Sarfraz is quite intelligent & double world Champion- both times against IND, can't happen that he can't see the obvious.
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[MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION] So Arthur may have listed up likes of Umar Amin, Sahibzada Farhan, Haris Sohail.etc who have performed in List A cup, Even Amir Yamin?

Shoaib Malik is 35, Hafeez is 36. There is every chance of performance deterioration even further in two years.

Arthur needs to take a stand and get in another opener with Fakhar. Also I feel Hussain Talat is a great prospect who needs to be inducted.
 
I am sorry too.

Azhar played a big role along with partnerships with Fakhar but

His CT SR was 75 only.


I will take a 83-85 SR with his consistency but it might be quite difficult for him to manage.
 
You always count on experience in such high presaure matches. Despite all the criticism he delivered shows how mentally strong he is. Also the inning against Eng was inspiring.
 
Proudly always backed Azhar. He's a true fighter that gives his 101% too bad some of the superficial fans don't like him. But he shut them up throughout this tournament
 
Azhar Ali is the best opener Pakistan ever had... blessing to have him... imagine Harris sohail.. he would've failed every match and people on this forum would've still supported him
 
Azhar had a good tournament but let it not mask his poor ODI form generally. He still needs to work on his skills, batting and catching.
 
well done azhar ali

now this would be the best moment to retire from ODIs and concentrate on tests before it too late

i still dont think he's cut out for ODIs
 
He really played some great shots in the last 2 games. Specially the six that he hit Stokes on fine leg was Sehwag like shot.
 
Really well done, SR of 84 today. At one point Fakhar was struggling with SR of 60-70 then Azhar stepped in to release pressure.
 
Have always backed him regardless of everything else.

Never forget who stayed down & who switched up.
 
Shouldn't be playing ODIs but you can do a lot worse when it comes to character.

He's humble, calm, and gives 100%.

I'd take him over Shahzad any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
 
One of my favourite Pakistani cricketers but I still believe he isn't an ODI player. We need Sharjeel up top with Fakhar and if Sharjeel is found guilty then we need someone similar.
 
aliasad1998 said:
One of my favourite Pakistani cricketers but I still believe he isn't an ODI player. We need Sharjeel up top with Fakhar and if Sharjeel is found guilty then we need someone similar.
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One of your favourites yet you were calling him "cancer" on match thread? Amazing.
 
Abdul said:
One of your favourites yet you were calling him "cancer" on the match thread? Amazing.
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Cancer to the ODI team and I was wrong in using words like that. How many times have I said he's our best test batsman? I still believe he isn't cut out for ODIs so I'm not backtracking. Excellent test cricketer and human being
 
aliasad1998 said:
Cancer to the ODI team and I was wrong in using words like that. How many times have I said he's our best test batsman?
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I'm not arguing your point, but like you admitted, you could've used a lot better terminology.
 
Azhar needs a flamboyant opener like Sharjeel or Fakhar to thrive. Hats off to him for playing according to the situation. I think we finally have a decent opening pair.
 
Indeed.

Never a fan of Azhar the ODI batsman but never have I doubted his commitment. He's not a coward and never will be. Despite his limitations, he batted like a man today and came through when required. He will always be a hero in my eyes for that.

Thank you Azhar.

IF he can continue to play like this, he should continue to partner Fakhar up top. Need someone who can consistently score 40+ at a SR of around 80 alongside a dasher in Fakhar. Will be a formidable pair for years to come, provided Azhar can keep it up.
 
Usman Chadda said:
Might seem like an emotional thread, but I salute this man. Opened a thread for him after that 4th June loss and was absolutely scathing in my criticism. But Azhar Ali, you are a champion. You played like a champion. You set the tone at the top of the order. When Fakhar was nervous and struggling, you took control and guided him through a difficult period. You just looked a million dollars out there. You deserved more runs today. You really did. Even in the semi-final, you were outstanding. I don't care if you score a series of ducks till you retire after this, you are a champion cricketer and we are all proud to have someone like you representing our country.

I will gladly eat 59 humble pies today if I can atone for all what I've said against you in the past few weeks. You have earned the respect of millions of fans today. Salute Azhar Ali, you are a champion.
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And we had a series of disagreements over it, the last being slightly unpleasant. Credit to you for being gracious and courageous enough to accept your mistake. I don't intend to say I was correct or you were wrong or to rub it in, all I want is to request you and all other posters who bashed Azhar, is to not let emotion get the better of you (difficult I understand especially when it comes to the PCT) and think about things logically. Azhar might not be the best player we have but he is perhaps the most dedicated and honest player in the team. Cricket is a team game and every player has a role to play. Azhar's role was to anchor the innings and he did that perfectly well.
 
Azhar scored more runs than all the modern ODI openers combined i.e Warner, Hales, Roy. Thing is its ideal to score a lot of runs at a good rate but scoring runs at SR of 75 is better than scoring under 10's with strike rates of over 90's.

Thing to notice here is when Fakhar played against England, Srilanka the score was around 60 in 10 overs, Azhar was on the crease with a strike rate of 75 or may be more or less. But cricket is a team game, he must have accessed the situation that we are already going at a RR of 6 and even its due to Fakhar I dont need to take a risk which was sensible.

Now against India he realized Fakhar was struggling earlier on so he took the charge. He is limited in ability but he knows the game.

No teams scores 500 in ODI whith all batsmen going guns blazing. To achieve 300 you need a run rate of 6 as a team, one might struggle playing shots one day so the partner must take the charge.
 
Egg on my face after this knock :facepalm:

Sorry Azhar you're one brilliant bat bro :14: :14: :14:
 
He batted well was extremely lucky imo. He should've been run out 2-3 times during his knock and eventually got out and then dropped Kohli (luckily it didn't cost us at all) but geez at that moment I was anything but sorry to him. Hindsight is a wonderful thing though and all is forgiven.
 
Enigma_ said:
He batted well was extremely lucky imo. He should've been run out 2-3 times during his knock and eventually got out and then dropped Kohli (luckily it didn't cost us at all) but geez at that moment I was anything but sorry to him. Hindsight is a wonderful thing though and all is forgiven.
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There are lot of risky singles in every match.You need to rotate strike and out pressure on the inner fielders. Even look at the indian batsment they take a lot of risky singles.
 
Titan24 said:
There are lot of risky singles in every match.You need to rotate strike and out pressure on the inner fielders. Even look at the indian batsment they take a lot of risky singles.
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I agree his mindset change was a breath of fresh air but I am not convinced that he's the right option heading into the future.
 
Enigma_ said:
I agree his mindset change was a breath of fresh air but I am not convinced that he's the right option heading into the future.
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Depends on the team balance, if we can find a world class aggressive middle order bat then Azhar's stability at the top can be a very valuable asset. It ensures we don't end up 20/2 after 5 overs (and we have been in that position very frequently in the last 5 years). Azhar has been consistently improving his ODI game, so while he might not be a first choice opener (if we can find a better option - I personally prefer giving Sami Aslam a chance) he should remain in the mix for the immediate future. Another option that I see, given Hafeez and Malik's consistent failures and Babar making one down his own, is to play Azhar at 4 where he can play the role that Babar played yesterday. But for that Azhar will need to work on his ability to rotate the strike which is the weakest area of his game.
 
amvbfm said:
Depends on the team balance, if we can find a world class aggressive middle order bat then Azhar's stability at the top can be a very valuable asset. It ensures we don't end up 20/2 after 5 overs (and we have been in that position very frequently in the last 5 years). Azhar has been consistently improving his ODI game, so while he might not be a first choice opener (if we can find a better option - I personally prefer giving Sami Aslam a chance) he should remain in the mix for the immediate future. Another option that I see, given Hafeez and Malik's consistent failures and Babar making one down his own, is to play Azhar at 4 where he can play the role that Babar played yesterday. But for that Azhar will need to work on his ability to rotate the strike which is the weakest area of his game.
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He should come in at first drop with another power hitting opener needed alongside with Fakhar. He's a converted ODI player that's why he struggles with playing at a decent strike rate and rotation. He's a test player first and foremost.
 
Played for the team,He is an excellent A* test batsmen,in ODIS if he can keep playing atleast at a SR of 82-83 I'll be happy.His contributions are massive,3/50s a 34 and a failure so it's been a good tourni for Azhar
 
Enigma_ said:
He should come in at first drop with another power hitting opener needed alongside with Fakhar. He's a converted ODI player that's why he struggles with playing at a decent strike rate and rotation. He's a test player first and foremost.
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That too is a possibility, but I hadn't mentioned it because Babar looks settled at one down and it might not be a good idea to disturb him.
 
amvbfm said:
That too is a possibility, but I hadn't mentioned it because Babar looks settled at one down and it might not be a good idea to disturb him.
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Babar at 3 or 4 is the same player because the roles are essentially the same.
 
He's a huge investment for future of ODI & Test, don't mess up with him. Remove hate from heart and soul. He's a true legend with great temperament.
 
I have no shame in saying that I criticized Azhar's selection and I WAS WRONG.
Take a bow brother!
 
Usman Chadda said:
Might seem like an emotional thread, but I salute this man. Opened a thread for him after that 4th June loss and was absolutely scathing in my criticism. But Azhar Ali, you are a champion. You played like a champion. You set the tone at the top of the order. When Fakhar was nervous and struggling, you took control and guided him through a difficult period. You just looked a million dollars out there. You deserved more runs today. You really did. Even in the semi-final, you were outstanding. I don't care if you score a series of ducks till you retire after this, you are a champion cricketer and we are all proud to have someone like you representing our country.

I will gladly eat 59 humble pies today if I can atone for all what I've said against you in the past few weeks. You have earned the respect of millions of fans today. Salute Azhar Ali, you are a champion.
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While everyone agreed that he has his limitations while scoring but on a positive side he brings in this team that long forgotten stability. And people comparing him to Hafeez & Malik are wrong. He might play at the same S/R as them but you would rarely find him gifting his wicket to bowlers as both of them do so often.

While we still have our batting woes in plenty but to be fair we have lost more matches by being in 20/3 or 30/4 situations than by having a consistent but slow opener like Azhar. And with a mercurial opener like Fakhar, you need all the stability on the other side. It's the middle order that needs revamp not openers.

And on the topic I have always backed Azhar but have also said that he is not an LOI opener. But till the time we get a dynamic opener who can score 40+ at 85+ S/R, I would gladly welcome Azhar in this team.
 
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Azhar is the only consistent world class batsman in this team. Yes yes a test specialist as he contains himself and crawls along but the result is that he provides solidity at the top which is invaluable.

In odi cricket he is similarly limited and puts away loose shots until he's absolutely sure he's got the measure of conditions and the bowler. Such thinking players who eschew risks at the top in the power play should be celebrated not criticised. He may be too slow for some fans but I think he's perfect for the team for now.
 
Saying sorry to both Azhar & Hafeez..Both were fantastic yesterday..Now I want this over rated chap called Shoaib Malik axed & HARIS SOHAIL to take his place. Also would like to see Fahim Ashraf get more games instead of Imad Wasim in future ODIs
 
I am on the fence on him in odi's. even though he played a huge hand in keeping Pakistan's score ticking while fakhar was initially struggling.
 
As many have said, it was heartening to see the intent and aggression AA showed while Zaman was struggling. He was the one who understood the situation and set the tone.

As for people asking him to be replaced...let's see a better alternative (one not accused of fixing), before we go there. I still think he should be in the squad for 2019 in England, some pitches still have early movement.
 
Azhar Ali has always been an honest trier and a committed character. He has shined when Pakistan needed him the most but I am still not convinced about him as an ODI batsman.

The good thing about him has been that he is beginning to realize the requirements of the modern game but his game is just not suited to it. Even yesterday he missed out on quite a few drives outside the off stump and hit far too many deliveries straight to the fielder; deliveries which should have been worked in the gap for a single or should have found the fence.
 
As much as Azhar Ali's problems in ODI Cricket exist, you cannot fault him one bit, he punches above his weight and has punched above his weight his whole career.

He is the perfect example of Talent is not everything. Just compare the stroke less Azhar Ali who first started his career in 2010 to the Azhar Ali now, we see a more confident batsman who has worked very hard to develop attacking strokes to his repoitre and someone who is working very hard to meet the needs of the team.

The likes of Asad Shafiq have more talent, Umar Akmal has more talent but Azhar Ali's body of work is far superior.

He is our Rahul Dravid. The man lost the captaincy in embarrassing circumstances, he was benched by his PSL team for the entire season, but not once you will hear any resentment, emotional outburst, he has always maintained his dignity.

There is only one way he can maintain his place in the ODI team i.e. if the team finds 5-6 aggressive batsman and that way he can play the anchor role.
 
He is someone you should keep in the squad but him being a regular? I'm not too sure about that.

Probably one for AUS/ENG/SA/NZ tours.
 
Azhar must open with Fakhar...
He cannot be replaced with Sharjeel...
Sharjeel must play at #3 and play aggressive innings after a monster opening platform between Azhar and Fakhar... Babar is not good at #3, so drop him to #4!!
 
At the media zone I asked him if he felt he had silenced his critics. But he was humble as ever, played the criticism down and said it was more about performing for the team rather than individual glory.
 
Savak said:
As much as Azhar Ali's problems in ODI Cricket exist, you cannot fault him one bit, he punches above his weight and has punched above his weight his whole career.

He is the perfect example of Talent is not everything. Just compare the stroke less Azhar Ali who first started his career in 2010 to the Azhar Ali now, we see a more confident batsman who has worked very hard to develop attacking strokes to his repoitre and someone who is working very hard to meet the needs of the team.

The likes of Asad Shafiq have more talent, Umar Akmal has more talent but Azhar Ali's body of work is far superior.

He is our Rahul Dravid. The man lost the captaincy in embarrassing circumstances, he was benched by his PSL team for the entire season, but not once you will hear any resentment, emotional outburst, he has always maintained his dignity.

There is only one way he can maintain his place in the ODI team i.e. if the team finds 5-6 aggressive batsman and that way he can play the anchor role.
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Great post.

Supported him since day 1. Hes a champion through and through
 
Azhar’s integrity, character and dedication to serve Pakistan has never been in doubt, and he is unquestionably the best test batsmen currently in the side.

As to his long-term future in ODIs, that remains to be seen. He has certainly improved in the shorter format, and performed particularly well against India. However, he finished the CT with a strike-rate of 74.02. If he wants to stay in ODIs he needs to get that up to at least 85 (against India he got to 83). Even if can do that, let us not forget he will be 34 when the 2019 WC starts.

With all this in mind, it might be best for Azhar to focus on tests and allow for some new ODI talent to come through. For now, Azhar has earnt a run in the team providing he can get that strike rate up. All I am saying is that it his place in the side shouldn’t come at the cost of a younger player who is better-suited to the demands of modern ODI cricket.
 
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