The right-hander lost the confidence of the selectors in ODIs this year and was dropped after Pakistan lost in New Zealand in January
Lahore: Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali retired from one-day internationals on Thursday to concentrate on his Test career.
Ali played 53 ODIs, scoring 1,845 runs at an average of 36.90. He scored three centuries and 12 fifties, including a 59 against India in the triumphant Champions Trophy final last year in London.
The right-hander lost the confidence of the selectors in ODIs this year and was dropped after Pakistan lost in New Zealand in January.
He was replaced as opener by Imam-ul-Haq, the nephew of chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq. Imam has cemented his place with a prolific run in ODIs.
"I haven't taken this decision suddenly, I have been thinking about it. It's the right time to focus on Tests. There have been terrific players in one-dayers in the Pakistan set-up. I want to concentrate on Tests with the same fitness and energy that I have been," Ali said at a press conference in Lahore.
"I didn't decide to retire after any hard feelings, it's my personal decision. I want to focus on Tests with full energy and improve my career record there. I don't have any regrets because I always gave all my efforts," he added. "As a former ODI captain, I wish the team the very best for what is an incredibly important season ahead of the World Cup next June."
Pakistan slipped to an all-time low of No. 9 in the ODI rankings during Ali's tenure as skipper from 2015 to early 2017. Pakistan won four and lost five bilateral series.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ehsan Mani said Ali will remain an "integral part" of Pakistan Test team.
Ali, who turns 34 in February, has played 67 Tests for an average of 44. He featured last month in the home series win over Australia. He has never played Twenty20 Internationals for Pakistan.
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