Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Sarfaraz retained as Pakistan's ODI and T20I captain

September 13, 2019 22:36 IST

'Our T20 performances have been outstanding but in ODI we have been up and down and we need to be more consistent. But we can't just blame the captain or one individual, that is wrong.'

Sarfaraz Ahmed

IMAGE: Sarfaraz Ahmed has been Pakistan's captain in all three formats since last two years and has led the team in white ball cricket since 2017, also winning the ICC Champions Trophy. Photograph: ICC/Twitter

Wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfaraz Ahmed was on Friday retained as Pakistan's ODI and T20 International captain ahead of the forthcoming series against Sri Lanka.

Pakistan's new head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq told the media in Lahore on Friday that he is hopeful of working well with Sarfaraz to take the team forward.

 

Misbah also announced that batsman Babar Zaman would be the vice-captain of the national team in the two shorter formats.

Asked whether Sarfaraz had been appointed just for the series against Sri Lanka or on long-term basis like in the past, Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ehsan Mani said one should not read too much into it and speculate.

"We have a new management of the team and we are looking now at finding the right balance," Mani said.

Mani also insisted that Misbah and the Board's Chief Executive Wasim Khan are already looking into the issue of Test captaincy.

"Since we don't have Test matches immediately we have announced captain for white ball cricket and due process will be followed for naming captain of red ball cricket and Misbah and Wasim will make their recommendations to me," he said.

Sarfaraz has been Pakistan's captain in all three formats since last two years and has led the team in white ball cricket since 2017, also winning the ICC Champions Trophy.

Asked about Sarfaraz's performances, Misbah said, "Overall if we assess Sarfaraz's performances I still believe the team has done well. He has led the national Under-19 team and now senior team in last three years, I think we are doing the right thing.

"Our T20 performances have been outstanding but in ODI we have been up and down and we need to be more consistent. But we can't just blame the captain or one individual, that is wrong. When your main players are out of form and don't perform, the team can't win. In cricket 11 players have to play and perform."

Misbah made the point that his main job would be to support the captain in decision making and help him reduce the mistakes.

"I have been captain and sometimes as a captain you need to be pushed as you tend to underestimate yourself and forget your role as a player in the team. That is the area I will work with him and ensure he does not under utilize himself and does perform. If he performs it will help the team," he said.

Misbah said he is not worried about the criticism over his appointment as head coach and chief selector.

"I just think a person has to just focus on his job because if I perform well or bad it will become clear in front of everyone."

Mani said that the PCB has decided about the team manager and would announce the name of the person in the next two days.

© Copyright 2024 PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.