By Bibhash Dash
Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood is happy to continue proving his doubters wrong following his successful stint with Surrey.
Azhar helped Surrey reach NatWest T20 Blast finals day last season, picking up his 17th competition wicket in a losing cause against Birmingham Bears in the last four.
The 39-year-old, who also impressed in the Royal London One-Day Cup for Surrey, has been plying his trade for Twenty20 franchises in other parts of the cricketing world during recent years.
Azhar uses the English winter to keep fit at his own cricketing camp in the United Arab Emirates and feels he still has more to contribute on the field despite his age.
“It’s been good (playing for different teams),” he said. “There’s different dressing rooms and different atmospheres.
“It helps keep you focused so it’s been working well for me, especially with T20 cricket.
“Everyone talks about my age but it’s a great opportunity to play with new teams.
“So I try and keep myself fit to be able to compete with the 20-year-olds!”