Azhar Ali eager to add Champions Trophy to his cabinet

The Pakistan team, who are currently ranked no.9 in One Day International (ODI) rankings had a tough patch over the past one year. The skipper of the ODI side, Azhar Ali has vowed to put up a strong performance in the Champions Trophy next year.

Pakistan is just one point below the 8th ranked West Indies in ODIs and Azhar said that they would try to win as many matches as they can to directly qualify for the tournament. “A lot of ODI cricket is scheduled in the lead up to the ICC Champions Trophy, and it will be our best chance to learn, improve and win as many matches as possible so that we arrive in England and Wales next year fully prepared and ready for the challenge,” the Pakistan skipper said.

The 31-year old said that this is one of the trophies, Pakistan hasn’t won yet and so they will have a go at it this time. The ICC Champions Trophy is one trophy which is missing from our cabinet. It has earned the status as one of the most demanding, challenging and intense competitions. So, it will be nice if we can put our hands on this piece of silverware next year.

Pakistan will play their first encounter against India in the Champions Trophy 2017. The top eight ranked ODI sides as on 30 September 2015 will feature in the tournament starting from 1st June 2017 and will end by 18th June. Birmingham, Cardiff, and London (The Oval) will be venues for the 15 matches to be played in the tournament.

Also check out – ICC Champions Trophy 2017 schedule announced

India is the defending champions having won the Champions Trophy 2013 in England.