Azhar opts out of three ODI tourneys

Azhar, who led India in the World Cup where the team failed to enter the semi-finals and bowed out at the end of the Super Six stage of the competition, later underwent a shoulder operation in London on June 19.

He was expected to submit a fitness certificate to the board tomorrow before the selection committee meets to choose the team, to be led by master batsman Sachin Tendulkar, at Baroda on August 6.

Azhar had returned home only ten days ago and was subsequently replaced at the helm for India’s first three post-Cup engagements by Tendulkar.

The veteran Hyderabadi had led India in two stints, which included three World Cups, to become the country’s most successful captain ever.

India are to play in Lanka from Aug 22-31 before moving on to Singapore for another tri-nation tournament from Sept 2-7. They are also scheduled to take part in a quadrangular tournament at Nairobi from Sept 24 to Oct 1.