Published 10:33 IST, October 18th 2019
Sarfaraz likely to get axed as Pakistan skipper after SL series loss
Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed is likely to get axed as the team's captain after Pakistan's humiliating loss to Sri Lanka in the T20 series, acc to reports
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Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed is likely to get axed as the team's captain after Pakistan's humiliating loss to Sri Lanka in the T20 series, according to reports. This comes days after Sri Lanka completed a whitewash in the T20 series, causing a big upset to top-ranked Pakistan. Pakistan coach Misbah-ul-Haq is reportedly not happy with Sarfaraz Ahmed as the skipper of the team and has spoken to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) voicing his concerns about the same. Sarfaraz Ahmed has been at the receiving end of the critics ever since Pakistan crashed out of the World Cup. Azhar Ali could take over the reins of the team from Sarfaraz Ahmed in the longer format of the game while wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan could don the deputy skipper hat, according to reports. Pakistan, however, are unwilling to compromise on the captaincy issue despite Misbah-ul-Haq's discomfort as the team is scheduled to tour Australia next and the management reportedly has plans to field a younger side.
Sarfaraz Ahmed quits as Sindh skipper
Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed reportedly resigned from Sindh’s captaincy in the National League T20 on account of misconduct. Sarfaraz Ahmed made the decision just before Sindh’s game vs Central Punjab. Sarfaraz, who’s been under the scanner since Pakistan’s Group Stage in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, refused to captain the side after alleging that the media asked harsh questions. He reportedly told the team management that he won't continue as captain but only as a player. Asad Shafiq took over the captaincy from him and led Sindh in the match against Babar Azam’s Central Punjab. Sindh completed a thrilling last-over win. Chasing 189, Sindh reached the target with two deliveries to spare thanks to the contributions of skipper Asad Shafiq and former skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed. Both put an important 49-run partnership off just 20 balls to guide their side home. Shafiq ended with 45 while Sarfaraz scored a quickfire 30.
Sarfaraz Ahmed: Constant criticism
Sarfaraz Ahmed has been under immense pressure after Pakistan’s continued failures since the Champions Trophy success in 2017. A group stage exit from the World Cup in England and the recent humiliation by Sri Lanka at home seemed to have agitated several fans of Pakistan cricket. Calls for Sarfaraz’s ouster are growing louder. The fact that Sri Lanka did not have 10 first team players and yet completely outplayed Pakistan seemed to have decided Sarfaraz's woes. Former cricketers including the likes of Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Akhtar, Aamir Sohail have criticized Sarfaraz’s fitness and his ability to lead the team from the front. Sarfaraz was accused of having 'burgers and pizzas' ahead of Pakistan's World Cup encounter against India, wherein Pakistan lost by 89 runs. Earlier Sarafaraz had said that the National League T20 is a chance for players to showcase their skills and get a chance to feature in Pakistan’s upcoming tours versus Australia. Sarfaraz has played over 200 international games for Pakistan and has been captain of the side since 2016.
09:56 IST, October 18th 2019