“Want to be in the PSL final again, win the title as a gift to the fans of Karachi" : Sarfaraz Ahmed

[MenInG]

“Want to be in the PSL final again, win the title as a gift to the fans of Karachi" : Sarfaraz Ahmed

KARACHI: The National Stadium of Karachi took another step towards hosting the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final after it was given the go-ahead by an independent security firm that reports to the International Cricket Council, and Quetta Gladiators skipper Sarfraz Ahmed has said he is excited about the final taking place in his hometown.

“The hype and excitement for the PSL is reaching its peak and everybody seems to be talking about it,” said the wicketkeeper-batsman. “I am excited about the final taking place in Karachi. Whenever I have played, the fans of Karachi have always supported me a lot. However, that is not only the case with the people of Karachi since fans all over the country are very supportive of me.”

The Karachi-born believes the hosting of the final in Karachi will help the country’s biggest city.

“Karachi hosting the final is great news for the plethora of cricket fans in the country,” he said. “International stars have visited Lahore and the people of Lahore have been able to see them live in action. Now it is the turn of Karachi’s fans to do so.”

Quetta have reached both finals of the PSL so far and Sarfraz is hoping to go one step further in front of his ‘home fans’.

“We want to be in the final again and win the title as a gift to the fans of Karachi,” said Sarfraz, whose Quetta side boasts a number of player from Karachi. “Hopefully, whichever teams reach the final, they can produce a good showing and entertain the crowd. However, it would be even more satisfying for me on a personal level if I won it in front of my home crowd.”

Quetta coach Moin Khan recently expressed his satisfaction at the additions made to the side for the third edition and Sarfraz was also confident his side can cope with the loss of players such as Tymal Mills and Luke Wright.

“The T20 format is a very fast format and there isn’t much time to think,” he said. “Every team will try to play its best players and in this format all it takes is a few players playing well to turn the game around. If two or three players come in and they score 20 plus runs in less than 10 balls then they have the capability of becoming your main players.”

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1633060/7-hope-win-title-front-home-crowd-karachi-says-sarfraz/

 

[Railu Katta]

If he really wants to gift people of Karachi then shouldn't he lose to Karachi kings

 

[MRSN]

If he really wants to gift people of Karachi then shouldn't he lose to Karachi kings

yeah seems confused..

 

[MRSN]

Awful comments. How people of Quetta must be thinking reading these comments.

 

[MenInG]

Awful comments. How people of Quetta must be thinking reading these comments.

Why is Nadeem Omar giving cash awards to Karachi Whites?

 

[Gubol123]

This is idiotic.. so he will represent Quetta team but will gift his victory to Karachi.. Really funny...

 

[DeadBall]

If he really wants to gift people of Karachi then shouldn't he lose to Karachi kings

I think it was just his inner Karachite speaking. I think he should have kept quiet until the finals (if his team had progressed and/or if Karachi hadn't qualified) and then have given this statement.

 

[MRSN]

Why is Nadeem Omar giving cash awards to Karachi Whites?

No link between two things. He's a businessman who is using cricket to build his brand.

Sarfraz on the other hand , is the captain of the Quetta team and he is specifically talking about winning trophy representing the Quetta people. It's like a Pakistani captain saying I want to win the world cup trophy to bring smiles to Indian faces. It's really absurd. Sarfraz is just proving Shoaib's comments right. He should grow up and stay away from the mafias that are operating in Karachi and Lahore. His focus should be represent his team not please mafias.

 

[BlueDoritos]

Quetta will probably finish in the top 3.

If Roy, Rossouw, Pietersen, Watson and Archer agree to play the knockouts and Final in Pakistan then they're favorites to win the title. Garbage like Mahmudullah should stay away from the team.

 

[ManFan]

I want Quetta to be defeated for a third year in a row in the Finals so they can realize how garbage their team selections have been.

 

[DeadBall]

No link between two things. He's a businessman who is using cricket to build his brand.

Sarfraz on the other hand , is the captain of the Quetta team and he is specifically talking about winning trophy representing the Quetta people. It's like a Pakistani captain saying I want to win the world cup trophy to bring smiles to Indian faces. It's really absurd. Sarfraz is just proving Shoaib's comments right. He should grow up and stay away from the mafias that are operating in Karachi and Lahore. His focus should be represent his team not please mafias.

I dont think you can compare winning for Quetta similar to winning for India. However do such regional biases exist in other leagues like the IPL, BBL etc or is it just a Pakistani thing?

 

[DeadBall]

I want Quetta to be defeated for a third year in a row in the Finals so they can realize how garbage their team selections have been.

Yet they will reach the finals ...

 

[ManFan]

Yet they will reach the finals ...

They will fall short again and hopefully, the team owner realizes, that there is a reason they haven't been able to cross the line. But I understand your point.

 

[BlueDoritos]

Sarfraz should take some responsibility and open the innings. This line up can win Psl under his captaincy.

Roy
Sarfraz
Pietersen
Watson / Rossouw
Saad
Amin
Junaid (emerging category)
Hasan
Anwar
Nawaz
Archer

 

[pakistani pride]

LOL whats wrong with his comments?
He mentions lahore having hosted all the games recently and now finally after many years Karachi will be the host.

It will be a special say for karachi hosting the final.

 

[MenInG]

No link between two things. He's a businessman who is using cricket to build his brand.

Sarfraz on the other hand , is the captain of the Quetta team and he is specifically talking about winning trophy representing the Quetta people. It's like a Pakistani captain saying I want to win the world cup trophy to bring smiles to Indian faces. It's really absurd. Sarfraz is just proving Shoaib's comments right. He should grow up and stay away from the mafias that are operating in Karachi and Lahore. His focus should be represent his team not please mafias.

He owns Quetta Gladiators - hint there is Quetta in the name of the team he owns.

 

[Hasan123]

Sarfraz has extra motivation to get to the final. Teams need to be wary of QG.

 

[Gotham Cronie]

yeah seems confused..

Awful comments. How people of Quetta must be thinking reading these comments.

This is idiotic.. so he will represent Quetta team but will gift his victory to Karachi.. Really funny...

No link between two things. He's a businessman who is using cricket to build his brand.

Sarfraz on the other hand , is the captain of the Quetta team and he is specifically talking about winning trophy representing the Quetta people. It's like a Pakistani captain saying I want to win the world cup trophy to bring smiles to Indian faces. It's really absurd. Sarfraz is just proving Shoaib's comments right. He should grow up and stay away from the mafias that are operating in Karachi and Lahore. His focus should be represent his team not please mafias.

He clearly means in the context of cricket returning to Karachi.

 

[silent ischemia]

There are more Karachi players in the gladiators team than the Kings. Alot of club mates for Sarfraz. However I agree he is representing Quetta and should have mentioned them.

 

[The_Odd_One]

People need to stop whining about everything Sarfraz says. He may have said that because cricket is returning to Karachi.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

Why do people hate Sarfraz? Just cause he aint charasmatic or punjabi it seems.

 

[kingusama92]

So Quetta is North Nazimabad's team too?

 

[Greenstorm]

Why do people hate Sarfraz? Just cause he aint charasmatic or punjabi it seems.

People hate everybody.

 

[MenInG]

https://www.dawn.com/news/1389053/leading-in-all-formats-not-a-burden-on-sarfraz

KARACHI: While dispelling the impression that leading the national team in all three formats is in any way burdening him, Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed says he has tried to give his 100 per cent while enjoying the game.

“It is great honour for me that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed me captain in all three formats; and this [responsibility] in no way is burdening me,” Sarfraz told Dawn in an interview after a physical workout here at the UBL Sports Complex on Monday.

“I have always enjoyed playing cricket in every format and tried to produce my best and bring the best out of the national team [as captain].”

The 30-year-old Sarfraz, who rose to prominence after leading Pakistan to a glorious 180-run triumph against arch-rivals India in the ICC Champions Trophy final at The Oval last year, said like anybody else he was also disappointed at the national team’s 0-5 ODI series loss in New Zealand recently.

“We could have won at least two ODIs [in New Zealand]. But in the end the result went against us,” the skipper remarked. “The batting, which has some flaws, did not click according to our plans.”

Skipper dismisses reports on differences with senior players

Commenting on varying conditions in New Zealand, Sarfraz said, “Being professional cricketers, we have to adjust to different playing conditions and perform well in all circumstances.”

Sarfraz, who has represented Pakistan in 38 Tests, 85 ODIs and 38 T20 Internationals, emphatically rejected any differences in the team or those with the senior players.

“Whenever Pakistan team lose in such a way these rumours [about differences] and conspiracy theories erupt,” he lamented.

“I enjoy good relations with [senior] players like Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik an there is complete harmony in the team.

“[In New Zealand] We missed an experienced bowler like Hafeez,” the captain said about the veteran spinner who is currently undergoing a one-year ban imposed by the ICC over illegal action.

When asked to comment on the future of the senior players ahead of next year’s World Cup in England, Sarfraz said it all depends upon their form and fitness and added that “the selection committee is the best judge”.

While admitting there was lack of consistency in batting which tilted the ODI results in New Zealand’s favour, Sarfraz however expressed satisfaction at the way his Twenty20 team combined to clinch the three-match series 2-1 to secure top spot in the ICC rankings.

The skipper also denied the view that heaps of applause and prize money had disturbed the team’s focus after their fabulous victory at the Champions Trophy.

“The players deserved respect, appreciation and financial rewards after their triumph at last year’s Champions Trophy,” Sarfraz maintained, adding “sometimes too much criticism is unwarranted.”

He hoped that fast-improving young players will learn from their mistakes to become better players.

“Pakistan need drastic improvement in their batting, particularly in Tests and ODIs.”

Commenting on the positives Pakistan achieved on an otherwise disastrous limited-overs tour to New Zealand, the captain said young leg-spinning all-rounder Shadab Khan has shown the required talent and promise to stay at the crease.

“I hope Shadab will maintain consistency in his performance with bat and ball.”

He said opener Fakhar Zaman, top-order batsman Babar Azam and all-rounder Fahim Ashraf have also shown progress and are bright players.

Responding to a question about Pakistan bowlers, Sarfraz said they during a couple of matches in New Zealand put the home team on the backfoot.

He said the national team will pose a stiff challenge for their opponents on the upcoming tour of England and Ireland where Pakistan will be playing three Test matches.

“Though it will be a tough tour but we are capable of competing against England and Ireland,” Sarfraz emphasised.

On the Pakistan Super League T20 tournament starting in the UAE on Feb 22, Sarfraz, who leads Quetta Gladiators in the event, said they are seeking to reach and win the final in Karachi after finishing runners-up in the first two editions.

The Pakistan captain further said that he will be trying his best to convince English batting star Kevin Pietersen — who skipped last year’s PSL final staged in Lahore — to come and feature in this year’s decider to be held at Karachi’s National Stadium on March 25.

“The World XI visit [to Lahore] last year is a step towards full resumption of international cricket in Pakistan and Pietersen will take clue from it,” Sarfraz said about the batsman who is also part of the Gladiators’ squad.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Sarfraz-bashing has become quite common on this forum.In this thread people are taking his words out of context,perhaps deliberately.

 

[Kroll]

Sarfraz-bashing has become quite common on this forum.In this thread people are taking his words out of context,perhaps deliberately.

Yes, it seems Sarf is not too clever in choosing his words widely.

 

[Abdullah719]

Sarfraz says PSL will continue to produce talent for Pakistan cricket

KARACHI: Pakistan cricket team skipper Sarfraz Ahmed hopes that the Pakistan Super League will continue to provide fresh talent to Pakistan cricket. Sarfraz, who last year led Pakistan to Champions Trophy glory, told media here Saturday that the standard of cricket had improved due to PSL. “It is a good sign that we have six teams this year. More teams means more players and more quality in the league,” said Sarfraz. “The second edition of league was better than the first and I am sure the third edition will be better than the second. We got some new talent in second edition and I am hopeful that the third edition of PSL will give us more talent to serve Pakistan Cricket,” the skipper added.

Sarfraz who twice led team Quetta Gladiators to final of PSL but couldn’t win the title, said that this time he was eying to lift the glittering PSL trophy at his home ground on March 25th. “If we qualify for the final this time, I would want to lift the trophy at my home town in Karachi. We were unlucky twice before, but this time we will try to win,” he hoped. He also hailed the PSL’s contribution towards revival of international cricket in Pakistan and said that the PSL was helping the country restoring international cricket community’s faith in Pakistan’s situation.

“Last year the PSL final was held in Pakistan and it helped us open the doors for international cricket. Now we are hosting three matches at home, two in Lahore and one in Karachi and I am sure it will widen the doors for international cricket,” he said. “I hope that in times to come, we’ll have all of PSL matches playing on Pakistan’s soil. Replying to a question, Sarfraz agreed with the chief selector and former captain Inzamam ul Haq on statement that excessive shorter format cricket was being damaging for players. “It is true and Inzy bhai was right in saying that. When you play shorter format you prepare according to it and that training doesn’t apply on longer format,” he stated. “And when you play too much shorter format, you’re trained according to that and that’s why you can’t keep yourself fit enough for the longer format of game,” the Pakistan captain concluded.

https://dailytimes.com.pk/204039/sarfraz-says-psl-will-continue-produce-talent-pakistan-cricket/

 

[DRsohail]

kha m kha tarining etc k saamnay la rahay ho.bhai u dont have the batting to compete there and on the top of that ur inzi bhai selected a crap team.aik saal bhi training krtay tu series haarna he thaa.

 

[UN talkz]

What about Quetta
This team looks more like Karachi Gladiators rather than Quetta Gladiators.

 

[chacha kashmiri]

Hopefully MS Dhoni takes some time out to help Sarfraz win the trophy

 

[Kroll]

Sarfraz emphasises importance of long format cricket

Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed believes playing in the shortest format, T20s, doesn’t help in developing fitness for playing cricket and backed chief selector Inzamamul Haq’s claim that all players need to participate in one-day and red-ball cricket, even if it is in the domestic circuit.

The 30-year-old was of the opinion that T20s don’t provide you with time to focus on fitness due to the reduced gaps between matches.

“When you play the shortest formats for a long period, then you don’t necessarily have the fitness to play in a 50-over or Test match. You also train according to the format you’re playing more. So Inzi bhai is right,” said Sarfraz.

He further explained how T20s cause fitness problems. “The shorter format gives you less time to train, but when you’re playing in the long format, you develop a more concrete fitness regime. Inzi bhai is right that the more you play the longer format of cricket, the more you improve your fitness,” he explained.

On PSL’s third edition

Pakistan Super League (PSL) will stage its third edition starting from February 22 in the UAE and Sarfraz was all praise for the event for helping in bring cricket back to the country.

“Two matches are being held in Lahore this year, the final will take place in Karachi, and PSL is one of the biggest reasons that international cricket has returned to Pakistan,” he said.

The wicketkeeper-batsman then explained how PSL has reinvigorated the cricket fever in Pakistanis. “We [Quetta Gladiators] recently played against Islamabad United in Rawalpindi and a huge crowd came in to support us even though it was an exhibition match. So, PSL did become a means for the return of international cricket to Pakistan. We are playing three games this year; I hope next year half of the tournament or even the full tournament can be played in Pakistan,” he said.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1638326/7-sarfraz-emphasises-importance-long-format-cricket/

 

[SaadAliG]

Why do people hate Sarfraz? Just cause he aint charasmatic or punjabi it seems.

The latter part probably.

 

[from_da_lost_dim3nsion]

He clearly means in the context of cricket returning to Karachi.

Yes so obvious ! People just wanna jump on the hate train the first chance they get ! smh

 

[msb314]

Awful comments. How people of Quetta must be thinking reading these comments.

Exactly what I was thinking!

This guy is playing for Quetta yet is talking about the people of Karachi Some people don't think when they speak...

If he has such admiration for Karachi - he should have terminated his contract with Quetta and re-entered the draft and appealed to Karachi Kings to select him.

 

[Slog]

Exactly what I was thinking!

This guy is playing for Quetta yet is talking about the people of Karachi Some people don't think when they speak...

If he has such admiration for Karachi - he should have terminated his contract with Quetta and re-entered the draft and appealed to Karachi Kings to select him.

Well that was the plan for Quetta owner as well. He wanted Karachi but was outbid and there werent many takers for Quetta so he took them as compromise

Anyways on topic Sarfataz clearly meant it in terms of cricket returning to Khi