PCB sacks Sarfaraz Ahmed as the Pakistan captain in Tests and T20Is

PCB says reason was Sarfaraz Ahmed’s drop in overall form which has also affected his confidence.

Azhar Ali will captain in Tests, while Babar Azam will lead in T20IsThe time is finally up for Sarfaraz Ahmed as captain of the Pakistani team, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to relieve him from captaincy in two important formats of the game.

Sarfaraz became the star of Pakistani fans’ eyes after winning the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 by defeating Virat Kohli-led Indian team in the finals. Much was expected from the new captain, who had taken over from Azhar Ali and Shahid Afridi in limited-overs and Misbah from Test cricket.

But he failed to recreate the results of Champions Trophy again, as they were defeated time and again, though he took Pakistan to no.1 ranking in the T20I format. Pakistan failed to qualify for semi-finals of the ICC World Cup 2019, but what stung them the most was the loss to India in league stages and the decision of Ahmed to bowl first after winning the toss was criticized even by Pak PM Imran Khan.

Now with a second-string Sri Lankan team whitewashing Pakistan in T20I series at home and Sarfaraz’s poor form with the bat, along with infighting in the team as reports suggested during the World Cup itself, has led to PCB deciding to sack him as captain in all formats.

Azhar Ali, their premier Test batsman has been named as the Test captain, while Babar Azam has been named the T20I captain. This can be termed as a big demotion for Sarfraz given the importance of ICC Test Championship and the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup in 2020 in Australia.

There is no bigger honor than to captain the Pakistan national cricket team in the pinnacle format of the game. I feel humbled, excited and privileged, and with the support of the team, look forward to justifying the faith that has been entrusted upon me for the World Test Championship,” said Azhar Ali.

Ali added, “I now look forward to inspiring those skillful players in our endeavors to collectively achieve our World Test Championship objectives and beyond. These are exciting times in Pakistan's cricket with new team management. As a captain, I feel comfortable that there will be the number of knowledgeable people in the hut who I can rely on advice and guidance. I am not only targeting wins but also aim to provide opportunities to players to grow in stature and express themselves so that Pakistan cricket can resume its journey to the top. I have always played my cricket the hard way but in a fair manner, and will ensure I continue to uphold the spirit of cricket and enhance the image of the team and the country.”

New T20I captain Babar Azam said, “To be named the captain of the No.1 ranked side in the world is the biggest thing that has happened to my career to date. I am ready for this challenge and also willing to learn more in the process. I feel it has been a natural progression for me and I am delighted that the PCB has put faith in my capabilities. Sarfaraz Ahmed has led the side in the shortest format by example and it is my responsibility to take forward his accomplishments so that we remain a consistent, attractive and powerful side.

Sarfaraz Ahmed said, “It has been an honor to lead Pakistan at the highest level. I want to thank all my colleagues, coaches, and selectors who have helped me in this journey. My good wishes are with Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, and the Pakistan cricket team, and I hope they will continue to grow stronger and stronger.

Sarfaraz Ahmed has also been dropped from the team and asked to play domestic cricket to get his form back. It was confirmed by Ehsan Mani, who said, "It has been a difficult decision to drop Sarfaraz Ahmed, who has performed well as a player and a leader. But, his loss in form and confidence is visible and, in the best interest of the team, it has been decided to leave him out and provide him the opportunity to reflect and regroup himself and try to reclaim his form away from international cricket."

(pcb.com.pk inputs)

 
 

By Jatin Sharma - 18 Oct, 2019

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