Published 15:25 IST, June 23rd 2019
World Cup 2019 | Here's what Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed has to say about him yawning on the field during the clash against India
Pakistan will be looking to revive their ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 campaign when they face South Africa at Lord's on Sunday.
Pakistan will be looking to revive their ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 campaign when they face South Africa at Lord's on Sunday. The Men In Green are currently reeling at the ninth spot i.e. the second last position in the points table above bottom-placed Afghanistan. They have so far registered just a solitary win against the hosts and title favourites England and lost their three games against West Indies, defending champions Australia and arch-rivals India respectively while one of their match against Sri Lanka was washed away due to rain. The Sarfaraz Ahmed-led team have only managed three points from their five matches.
Coming back to Sarfaraz Ahmed, the 32-year-old had a tough time in the last week ever since his team's 89-run (DLS) method defeat against India. Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar termed his captaincy as 'brainless'. Ahmed was also trolled for yawning during the end of the first innings. However, things got more complicated when the Champions Trophy-winning skipper was fat-shamed by a fan. The captain was seen carrying his child in a mall when this harasser started recording the video and body-shamed him. Sarfaraz did not react and chose to walk away while the fan was busy taking the video.
While addressing the press in London, Sarfaraz said that yawning is a normal thing to do and that he had not committed a sin by yawning on the field. He also added that if people made money out of him yawning then that was a good thing.
The Champions Trophy-winning skipper also said that social media and media are not in their control as people write whatever they think which not only hurts too much but the players are also affected psychologically.
Sarfaraz, who had also led Pakistan to U-19 World Cup triumph in 2006 has urged the people to criticize them on their game and not abuse them. At the same time, the Pakistan skipper also believes that the tournament is open and that they are focusing on one match at a time.
Updated 16:38 IST, June 23rd 2019