Worcestershire sign Pakistan batter Azhar Ali for County Championship as replacement for Matthew Wade

Wade's stint with Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League has ruled the Australian out of joining up with the New Road club

Pakistan batter Azhar Ali will join Worcestershire for the whole of their County Championship campaign as a replacement for Australian Matthew Wade.

Wade was due to be available as an overseas player across all formats in 2022.

But after being signed up by Gujarat Titans for the upcoming Indian Premier League his spell has been cancelled.

Thirty-six-year-old Azhar, who has played 91 Tests and 53 one-day internationals for his country, is signed up for all 14 matches of the campaign.

^{World Cup-winner Wade was due to be available across all formats (Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)}

Azhar played 20 first-class matches for Somerset across three summers, scoring 978 runs at 28.76.

In 15 Tests in England, the right-hander has managed 863 runs at 33.19, including centuries at Edgbaston in 2016 and the Ageas Bowl in 2020.

His overall Test record is an impressive one, with 6,721 runs, 18 centuries and an average of 42.53

Cricket steering group chair Paul Pridgeon said of Azhar, who has captained Pakistan in nine Tests: "I think it is a fantastic signing and Alex Gidman (head coach) is delighted.

"His record in Test cricket is outstanding, and he offers great experience and is of high quality.

^{Azhar Ali celebrates a second Test century against England in 2020 (Harry Trump/Getty Images)}

"He has got a lot going for him, and it is excellent as well that we've got someone available to play County Championship cricket all summer. It gives us that stability.

"Azhar will be great in the dressing room as well and will also be able to pass on some good information and experience to the young lads."

Azhar will join up with his new teammates following the conclusion of Pakistan's three-Test series against Australia next month.

Leicestershire are their first opponents of the season on April 7-10, when he is expected to make his debut.