Azhar Ali signs on for Worcestershire return in 2023

Worcestershire, who have been impressed as much by Azhar's impact off the field as on it, say he will be available for "most of" the 2023 campaign

Azhar Ali will return to Worcestershire in 2023.

The Pakistan batsman has been a success at New Road this season, making 607 runs in the LV= Insurance County Championship from eight appearances. 

Azhar also contributed 185 runs in the Royal London Cup, the bulk of which came in an innings of 130 against Northamptonshire.

Worcestershire, who have been impressed as much by Azhar's impact off the field as on it, say he will be available for "most of" the 2023 campaign.

The deal is understood to be for the entire County Championship and Royal London Cup fixture lists, depending on Azhar's Pakistan commitments. 

^{Azhar Ali will rejoin Worcestershire in 2023 [Getty Images]}

"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," he 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 have already added Adam Hose, the Warwickshire batsman, and Yorkshire bowler Matthew Waite to their squad for next season and Azhar is optimistic about what can be achieved.

"The team have played a lot of good cricket in the Championship this year and could easily have picked up another two or three wins, and I hope I can help the team to kick on next year," he said.