Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has advised Sarfaraz Ahmed to take courageous decisions when it comes to selecting the playing XI.

Pakistan suffered a 37-run defeat at the hands of Bangladesh in the last Super Four clash to get knocked out from the Asia Cup 2018. Moreover, they were thrashed twice by the arch-rivals India during the tournament.

“Sarfaraz lead the team boldly during last year's Champions Trophy but that was nowhere to be seen during the Asia Cup,” Akhtar said in an interview with BBC Urdu.

He went on to say that Sarfaraz should pick his own playing XI.

“He should get to decide who should be in the playing 11,” Akhtar added.

Shoaib Akhtar, who covered the 14th edition of Asia Cup as a commentator, felt that the selection policy was a bit confusing during the event. 

“Till the last moment, there was confusion who should be dropped and who should be in the playing side. The team looked nervous and under pressure," he remarked.

Talking about the bowling, Akhtar said: “If the conditions are not suitable for the Pakistani bowlers they are exposed.”

Pakistan will now play a two-match Test series against Australia in UAE, starting on October 7.

Commenting on the upcoming Test series against Australia, Shoaib stated, “If Sarfraz’s batting fails in the series and he cannot lead the side, then Babar Azam seems like the likely choice to lead the Test side.”

“Sarfraz should accept the pressure, face it and give a good performance,” he concluded.