Azhar Ali leaves Somerset as national duty calls

Pakistan middle order batsman Azhar Ali bid goodbye to Somerset, as the veteran batsman was called for national duty by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

"Obviously I’m sad to be leaving but it is an honour to play for Pakistan,” said Azhar, quoted The Cricketer. Azhar will be part of PCB’s 17-day conditioning camp at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), as Pakistan prepares for the upcoming grueling Test season.

Thank you all at @SomersetCCC and players really enjoyed my time this summer lots of happy memories... I would like to say a special thanks to the fans for their support... #WeAreSomerset

— Azhar Ali (@AzharAli_) 16 August 2019

Some twenty players including fourteen centrally contracted and six additional men cricketers have been invited to attend a pre-season camp, which will commence in Lahore on 19 August.

Talking about his time at Somerset, the batsman said that he enjoyed his time at the club and wishes best wishes to win the championship once again.

"When I came here, I really wanted to win the Championship with Somerset and I really hope that the team can achieve that this year. We have played some very good cricket and I wish all the players the very best for the last games of the season."

Thank you for everything Azhar Bhai ❤️️#WeAreSOMERSET@AzharAli_ @TheRealPCB pic.twitter.com/82D2JArwlW

— Somerset Cricket 🏏 (@SomersetCCC) 16 August 2019