"Getting category A, B, or C in Central Contracts does not matter to me" : Sarfaraz Ahmed

[MenInG]

Karachi: Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has said that demotion in the central contract category does not affect him as his main focus is to make a comeback in the Pakistan team.

The wicket-keeper batsman, while talking in a podcast with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said that categories do not matter to him.

“In order to maintain something, one has to work hard. Getting category A, B, or C does not matter. My main goal is to make a comeback to the senior side,” Sarfaraz said.

“B category is also a top category which includes top players. Shaheen Afridi performances were top-class and he has proved himself. He rightly deserves category A and I hope best for him” he added.

Sarfaraz was demoted to category B along with leg-spinner Yasir Shah while Shaheen and Test skipper Azhar Ali were promoted to category A as PCB announced its central contracts list.

https://arysports.tv/demotion-central-contract-category-bother-me-sarfaraz-ahmed/

"To maintain something is always challenging. For me, remaining in Category A, B, or C is not a big deal. My main target is to get back into the Pakistan team whenever I get a chance. If you're a cricket, you experience ups and downs. I am thankful to Allah that I'm in B category, it's a good category and has stars in it. My target is to avail any opportunity I get and to make a spot for myself in the team once again."

 

[Mir jibran]

I hope he returns successfully to the team
Still believe hes the best wicket keeper batsman right now in the country

 

[Bezli]

Karachi: Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has said that demotion in the central contract category does not affect him as his main focus is to make a comeback in the Pakistan team.

The wicket-keeper batsman, while talking in a podcast with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said that categories do not matter to him.

“In order to maintain something, one has to work hard. Getting category A, B, or C does not matter. My main goal is to make a comeback to the senior side,” Sarfaraz said.

“B category is also a top category which includes top players. Shaheen Afridi performances were top-class and he has proved himself. He rightly deserves category A and I hope best for him” he added.

Sarfaraz was demoted to category B along with leg-spinner Yasir Shah while Shaheen and Test skipper Azhar Ali were promoted to category A as PCB announced its central contracts list.

https://arysports.tv/demotion-central-contract-category-bother-me-sarfaraz-ahmed/

"To maintain something is always challenging. For me, remaining in Category A, B, or C is not a big deal. My main target is to get back into the Pakistan team whenever I get a chance. If you're a cricket, you experience ups and downs. I am thankful to Allah that I'm in B category, it's a good category and has stars in it. My target is to avail any opportunity I get and to make a spot for myself in the team once again."

I love this guy!! Yaah Allah I hope to see him with the team soon!!

Yah Allah please listen to us during month of Ramadan and make a comeback for Sarfaraz, AMEEN!!!

 

[Forum363]

Very refreshing reply. Despite often being hated upon for ‘speaking badly’ and not having a great image, Sarfaraz is breath of fresh air compared to some other players.

Imagine how Kami would respond to something like this.

 

[shamaan]

Excellent answer from sarfraz shows you who wants to play for pakistan and who just wants to take money stil is the best wicket keeper batesman in pakistan by a mile

 

[shamaan]

I hope he returns successfully to the team
Still believe hes the best wicket keeper batsman right now in the country

100 percent rizwan is better wicket keeper batesman in tests
Safraz better wicket keep batesman in t20s and odis

 

[shamaan]

I love this guy!! Yaah Allah I hope to see him with the team soon!!

Yah Allah please listen to us during month of Ramadan and make a comeback for Sarfaraz, AMEEN!!!

Ameen

 

[ahmedzee]

Still the best WK in Pakistan. Should be included in ODI's and T20s. I also feel he is the best captain in Pakistan right now as well.

 

[Kroll]

100 percent rizwan is better wicket keeper batesman in tests
Safraz better wicket keep batesman in t20s and odis

His batting doesn’t really fit anywhere in the LOI formats. Can’t play him high up the order and doesn’t have the power hitting abilities for the lower order.

 

[shamaan]

His batting doesn’t really fit anywhere in the LOI formats. Can’t play him high up the order and doesn’t have the power hitting abilities for the lower order.

So you would play rizwan ?
If your saying doesnt fit in odis how does he fit in t20s?

 

[Khan12]

This rubbish shouldn't have been given any contract. Clearly a pathetic player. Wasted 2 years of Rizwan who is comfortably the better batsmen and wicket keeper.

 

[Mir jibran]

100 percent rizwan is better wicket keeper batesman in tests
Safraz better wicket keep batesman in t20s and odis

Yes let rizwan play test matches
And sarfaraz concentrates on white ball cricket
I feel we need him for 2023 world cup

 

[Khan12]

Yes let rizwan play test matches
And sarfaraz concentrates on white ball cricket
I feel we need him for 2023 world cup

I feel we need him to be sitting at home and watching the 2023 world cup.

 

[Kroll]

So you would play rizwan ?
If your saying doesnt fit in odis how does he fit in t20s?

Thats why I said LOI which includes both ODIs and T20s. Rizwan isn't everyone's cup of tea but if no one else available, then yeah I'd give Rizwan the opportunity. He has put in some good performances to be fair to him.

 

[observer1]

Sarfraz is a good player. I know there was little choice, but being the skipper in all three formats and losing Misbah and Younis Khan would be a difficult job for any player.

 

[Mir jibran]

I feel we need him to be sitting at home and watching the 2023 world cup.

Dont see rizwan playing the 2023 wc either

 

[Kroll]

Dont see rizwan playing the 2023 wc either

Misbah should prioritise the WK slot, there's plenty of time to have a decent WK batsman ready for 2023. But he'll likely be making sure his buddies are there instead.

 

[shamaan]

Thats why I said LOI which includes both ODIs and T20s. Rizwan isn't everyone's cup of tea but if no one else available, then yeah I'd give Rizwan the opportunity. He has put in some good performances to be fair to him.

So hes a better power hitter than sarfraz

Sarfraz average is much better so is his Strike Rate can you name a few of his good performance in t20s plz

 

[Mir jibran]

Misbah should prioritise the WK slot, there's plenty of time to have a decent WK batsman ready for 2023. But he'll likely be making sure his buddies are there instead.

We need a WK who ll be lower order finisher who can score at 90+ SR

 

[Kroll]

So hes a better power hitter than sarfraz

Sarfraz average is much better so is his Strike Rate can you name a few of his good performance in t20s plz

Rizwan was a man on the way up, grabbed 2 centuries against Aus in the UAE last year. He also did well in batting against Aus away. Granted, he's not shown anything in T20 but I'm prepared to give him more chances.

If Sarfraz was that good, why has he been kicked out in favour of Rizwan?

 

[aloo paratha]

Neither Rizwan, nor Sarfraz will be near the team come 2023. Rohail or Mohammad Haris will replace them in all formats.

 

[Saj]

Needs to be cateful. Could be no contract at all in 12 months time.

 

[Mueez]

Sarfraz - where was this determination when you were the captain?

You disappointed us during the WC and after the CT.

You disappointed the people who supported you.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

Needs to be cateful. Could be no contract at all in 12 months time.

Dont think he cares to be honest.

 

[Savak]

Pakistan don't need Sarfaraz any more. They should look to the future now.

 

[shamaan]

Rizwan was a man on the way up, grabbed 2 centuries against Aus in the UAE last year. He also did well in batting against Aus away. Granted, he's not shown anything in T20 but I'm prepared to give him more chances.

If Sarfraz was that good, why has he been kicked out in favour of Rizwan?

So if rizwan flops in next series who would you pick then lol.i am also stating rizwan is a proper test match batesman.variety of things one being fitness another being loss of form it's been reported sarfraz will be back for t20s

 

[shamaan]

Neither Rizwan, nor Sarfraz will be near the team come 2023. Rohail or Mohammad Haris will replace them in all formats.

I agree with you but short term it has to be sarfraz.mohammed Harris for t20s rohail for tests both can play odis

 

[shamaan]

Pakistan don't need Sarfaraz any more. They should look to the future now.

They should have looked at it last year now they left with either sarfraz or rizwan to close to give anyone else a a chance

 

[Kroll]

So if rizwan flops in next series who would you pick then lol.i am also stating rizwan is a proper test match batesman.variety of things one being fitness another being loss of form it's been reported sarfraz will be back for t20s

I'd still pick him unless it was a complete and utter disaster which is highly unlikely.

 

[Hasan123]

Babar is what we want the example of a Pakistan player to be. Hopefully he has a competitive edge about him.

Sarfraz is what we don't want a Pakistan cricketer to be.

Average, overhyped, given too many chances, poor fitness, and awful communicator even in his own language.

 

[shamaan]

I'd still pick him unless it was a complete and utter disaster which is highly unlikely.

Fair enough then

 

[shamaan]

I'd still pick him unless it was a complete and utter disaster which is highly unlikely.

Haider going to bat at number 3 if rizwan was to start he can only bat at number 3

 

[ExplicitAI]

Sarfraz (and some of the CT 2017 squad members) is just another athlete in the world who has suffered from a tournament win hangover, he let victory get to his head and forgot about all the hard work he put in before the CT (even during the 2006 u19 WC). It's time we moved on from him if he is not willing to put the work in, if he does then he deserves to come back to the team as he was a consistent scorer with a good SR. It's very disappointing since he was able to adapt to the modern ODI format.

 

[Saj]

I think Sarfaraz and Rizwan are both lucky to be in the B category.

Very generous of PCB.

 

[shamaan]

I think Sarfaraz and Rizwan are both lucky to be in the B category.

Very generous of PCB.

Dont worry sarfraz will be in no category next year and rizwan will fall down to C category

 

[Hawkeye]

Babar is what we want the example of a Pakistan player to be. Hopefully he has a competitive edge about him.

Sarfraz is what we don't want a Pakistan cricketer to be.

Average, overhyped, given too many chances, poor fitness, and awful communicator even in his own language.

Yeah exactly this.

Can't believe Sarfraz still has his support gang still fully active.

 

[MenInG]

Reports indicate that he may well be part of the England tour so all not lost for Sarfaraz.

 

[ManFan]

This guy had the chance of a lifetime to recreate Pakistan’s image and the platform was laid after the CT win.

Instead, he ate his biryani and bowed silently to his “respected” senior Bhais and management.

Will never ever forgive him for betraying the trust his fans gave him.

Power not only corrupts, it also reveals. And when Sarfraz Ahmed got it, he showed his true colors.

*****ly, arrogant, lackluster, and worse of all, and not a professional sportsmen.

 

[Forum363]

This guy had the chance of a lifetime to recreate Pakistan’s image and the platform was laid after the CT win.

Instead, he ate his biryani and bowed silently to his “respected” senior Bhais and management.

Will never ever forgive him for betraying the trust his fans gave him.

Power not only corrupts, it also reveals. And when Sarfraz Ahmed got it, he showed his true colors.

*****ly, arrogant, lackluster, and worse of all, and not a professional sportsmen.

The platform wasn’t laid, he helped lay it himself.

Sarfraz got lazy and complacent, he knows it and he’s paid the price.

However given we have a history of letting mediocre/ rubbish players like Shehzads and Kami get hundreds of chances without accountability despite their terrible attitudes, I’d say that Sarfraz being dropped at least showed some justice.

How exactly was he not a sportsman?

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

This guy had the chance of a lifetime to recreate Pakistan’s image and the platform was laid after the CT win.

Instead, he ate his biryani and bowed silently to his “respected” senior Bhais and management.

Will never ever forgive him for betraying the trust his fans gave him.

Power not only corrupts, it also reveals. And when Sarfraz Ahmed got it, he showed his true colors.

*****ly, arrogant, lackluster, and worse of all, and not a professional sportsmen.

To calm your (justified) anger, instead of going the Akmal way it seems like Sarfi has lost weight.

I got a feeling his career will have a second chapter. And Pakistan will not drop Rizwan. In this probable return Sarfaraz will be a backup wicker keeper.

 

[ManFan]

The platform wasn’t laid, he helped lay it himself.

Sarfraz got lazy and complacent, he knows it and he’s paid the price.

However given we have a history of letting mediocre/ rubbish players like Shehzads and Kami get hundreds of chances without accountability despite their terrible attitudes, I’d say that Sarfraz being dropped at least showed some justice.

How exactly was he not a sportsman?

Yes, he laid the platform but it was laid for him in the sense that he a had a core of great young players to build around. Something that is not always a given for a newly inducted captain.

 

[ManFan]

To calm your (justified) anger, instead of going the Akmal way it seems like Sarfi has lost weight.

I got a feeling his career will have a second chapter. And Pakistan will not drop Rizwan. In this probable return Sarfaraz will be a backup wicker keeper.

I’m not sure about a new chapter.

He’s 33 and when cricket resumes, most likely will be even older and his body is not of the type like Younis or Misbah which were anomalies.

His main competition, Rizwan, is 27 and has scored decently since his recall.

He had a period where he struggled and then got his chance, only to blow it himself.

 

[shamaan]

Reports indicate that he may well be part of the England tour so all not lost for Sarfaraz.

Its confirmed he will be part of the squad

 

[ManFan]

He’s not a sportsman in the sense that his main and basic responsibility is to remain fit.

And when he needed to set the example the most, he let himself go.

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

I’m not sure about a new chapter.

He’s 33 and when cricket resumes, most likely will be even older and his body is not of the type like Younis or Misbah which were anomalies.

His main competition, Rizwan, is 27 and has scored decently since his recall.

He had a period where he struggled and then got his chance, only to blow it himself.

Knowing Pakistan, he ain't going anywhere until 2023 world cup.

And one of the main reasons is, if God forbid Rizwan get inured, we are capable of bringing any of the Akmals back

 

[Thunderbolt14]

Knowing Pakistan, he ain't going anywhere until 2023 world cup.

And one of the main reasons is, if God forbid Rizwan get inured, we are capable of bringing any of the Akmals back

Next in line is Rohail. Misbah has already brought him into the fold.

 

[Forum363]

He’s not a sportsman in the sense that his main and basic responsibility is to remain fit.

And when he needed to set the example the most, he let himself go.

Well it depends what you mean by ‘keep fit’. He could keep wickets/ bat/ captain in all 3 formats. That takes a certain level of fitness.

Unless ofcourse you mean that he had a stomach...? Which no sportsman or especially any cricketer has ever had..

 

[Forum363]

Yes, he laid the platform but it was laid for him in the sense that he a had a core of great young players to build around. Something that is not always a given for a newly inducted captain.

If he won with a experienced team, it would have been said that the experienced players are the reason they won.

If anything, to come back the way they did after the initial loss to India shows the character of him as a captain to inspire and lead the young team.

 

[ManFan]

If he won with a experienced team, it would have been said that the experienced players are the reason they won.

If anything, to come back the way they did after the initial loss to India shows the character of him as a captain to inspire and lead the young team.

I’m talking about AFTER the win.

His ability to lead the team was evident during the tournament, hence their coming back.

 

[ManFan]

Well it depends what you mean by ‘keep fit’. He could keep wickets/ bat/ captain in all 3 formats. That takes a certain level of fitness.

Unless ofcourse you mean that he had a stomach...? Which no sportsman or especially any cricketer has ever had..

Getting sarcastic, are we?

His fitness was so poor by the end that he was yawning in the middle of the most important WC encounter, constantly being run out because he couldn’t keep up, and hadn’t scored a hundred in years due to his inability to play long innings.

And his fitness set a standard that it was acceptable to be unfit which gave leeway to the likes of Imad, Haris, and others.

Can you imagine Imran Khan carrying a fat tummy munching on fried foods during the WC? He would be crucified but because of the low expectations of Sarfraz from his fans, it’s acceptable.

And it shows.

 

[Forum363]

Getting sarcastic, are we?

His fitness was so poor by the end that he was yawning in the middle of the most important WC encounter, constantly being run out because he couldn’t keep up, and hadn’t scored a hundred in years due to his inability to play long innings.

And his fitness set a standard that it was acceptable to be unfit which gave leeway to the likes of Imad, Haris, and others.

Can you imagine Imran Khan carrying a fat tummy munching on fried foods during the WC? He would be crucified but because of the low expectations of Sarfraz from his fans, it’s acceptable.

And it shows.

Wow, I didn’t know there was a correlation between yawning and fitness? That is hilarious. Please can you explain this further..

Haris and Imad have carried injuries for a while. I don’t think it’s because of sarfraz ‘lowering the bench mark for fitness’.

Why are you comparing Sarfaraz to our greatest ever captain? Ofcourse he’s not close. But we’ve had other fat captains, stop acting like Sarfaraz is one of a kind.

Sarfaraz’ stomach was not the issue. It was his dip in performance.

 

[ManFan]

Wow, I didn’t know there was a correlation between yawning and fitness? That is hilarious. Please can you explain this further..

Haris and Imad have carried injuries for a while. I don’t think it’s because of sarfraz ‘lowering the bench mark for fitness’.

Why are you comparing Sarfaraz to our greatest ever captain? Ofcourse he’s not close. But we’ve had other fat captains, stop acting like Sarfaraz is one of a kind.

Sarfaraz’ stomach was not the issue. It was his dip in performance.

Fitness does not just mean just having a flat stomach but being physically prepared. If you’re yawning, it shows a lack of responsibility to getting a good nights sleep which means staying up late past the curfew. And don’t say he was nervous because it certainly didn’t show.

Haris and Imad were unfit before their injuries. That excuse can’t work for them.

His stomach was the issue! He was gasping for breath and couldn’t rotate strike whereas beforehand, he was one of the best in the world at it. It showed in his lack of 50’s and let’s not even mention his lack of 100s.

He never could equal Imran as a player but it’s about having the standard to approach it. He couldn’t because he was a coward.

I could go on and on but you’ll continue to make excuses for him regardless.

Accept the mediocrity in front of you if you continue to support bums like him.

Kudos.

 

[Forum363]

Fitness does not just mean just having a flat stomach but being physically prepared. If you’re yawning, it shows a lack of responsibility to getting a good nights sleep which means staying up late past the curfew. And don’t say he was nervous because it certainly didn’t show.

Haris and Imad were unfit before their injuries. That excuse can’t work for them.

His stomach was the issue! He was gasping for breath and couldn’t rotate strike whereas beforehand, he was one of the best in the world at it. It showed in his lack of 50’s and let’s not even mention his lack of 100s.

He never could equal Imran as a player but it’s about having the standard to approach it. He couldn’t because he was a coward.

I could go on and on but you’ll continue to make excuses for him regardless.

Accept the mediocrity in front of you if you continue to support bums like him.

Kudos.

It’s quite frankly ridiculous that you’re stating the absolute reason Sarfaraz yawned is because he took a lack of responsibility to getting a good nights sleep deliberately. It’s impossible that he lay awake thinking about the match or couldn’t fall asleep etc because ‘his nerves clearly didn’t show’.

Surely you can accept that the above is simply your opinion and at best one possible theory for what caused it?

There was a mandatory fitness requirement which wasn’t the case in previous years. Sarfraz always passed it, was captain, batsman and keeper in 3 formats - so frankly his fitness was adequate. It’s clear however that his fitness slipped from his own prior standard but more importantly (and ofcourse there’s a link) his performance dropped which rightfully led to him being dropped.

I don’t support ‘bums like him’ but I do think he gets more than his fair share of hate by fans like you who back up their opinions with more opinions. Oh ‘he’s not a sportsman’, oh ‘his yawn means he has no respect for curfews’.

He has been a brilliant performer and captain at u19 and domestic level, but was given a chance far too late because he ‘couldnt bat like kami’ who is the worst player we’ve had in our history.

When he was finally given an extended chance in the team, he performed incredibly for a couple of seasons. He was eventually given the captaincy where he helped us win the Champions Trophy and had success in T20s. However his form and fitness dipped so rightfully he was dropped. ‘But he’s not a sportsman at all because he yawned’

 

[coy0607]

His weight loss is very encouraging, will be interesting to see if that translates in to performance

He will definitely get some matches on the English tour. Senior culture is as strong as ever in Pakistan, and its not like Rizwan has been setting the world on fire.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Sarfraz - where was this determination when you were the captain?

You disappointed us during the WC and after the CT.

You disappointed the people who supported you.

he took it for granted and now feeling for it...he took his batting so lightly that he made himself come in at 8.. he forgot that his ODI century made at no.4 in England were one of the buying points for his captaincy crown...

 

[ask_analyse_act]

His weight loss is very encouraging, will be interesting to see if that translates in to performance

He will definitely get some matches on the English tour. Senior culture is as strong as ever in Pakistan, and

its not like Rizwan has been setting the world on fire.

that is what u think, but he is making use of his opportunities really well, making runs when he gets chances.. Made 2 ODI 100s against Australia, and a 95 in Australia in tests...he has something to show for last year...

However I do feel Sarfraz will make a good comeback, looks determined.. If he gets an opportunity he will make it count, as he has nothing to lose.. Lost his place in the team, captaincy on all formats, performance will earn him a spot.. since the next WC is in India Sarfraz a good player of spin with experience by that time will come in handy for the team is what i can think right now...

 

[Deewana Mastana]

As long as I get a contract that is the main thing -

 

[Markhor]

Beyond Sarfraz's slip in form and fitness, another problem was how many close games we lost under his captaincy. Time and again we let opposition off the hook.

We snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in the 1st Test vs Sri Lanka, the two Tests vs New Zealand in Abu Dhabi, against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup, the 2nd and 3rd ODIs vs South Africa, and the Trent Bridge ODI vs England before the World Cup to name a few.

That being said, maybe without the pressure of captaincy Sarfraz could perform to his best ability as a player. However age is not on his side and he was no Adam Gilchrist as a batsman.

 

[ManFan]

It’s quite frankly ridiculous that you’re stating the absolute reason Sarfaraz yawned is because he took a lack of responsibility to getting a good nights sleep deliberately. It’s impossible that he lay awake thinking about the match or couldn’t fall asleep etc because ‘his nerves clearly didn’t show’.

Surely you can accept that the above is simply your opinion and at best one possible theory for what caused it?

There was a mandatory fitness requirement which wasn’t the case in previous years. Sarfraz always passed it, was captain, batsman and keeper in 3 formats - so frankly his fitness was adequate. It’s clear however that his fitness slipped from his own prior standard but more importantly (and ofcourse there’s a link) his performance dropped which rightfully led to him being dropped.

I don’t support ‘bums like him’ but I do think he gets more than his fair share of hate by fans like you who back up their opinions with more opinions. Oh ‘he’s not a sportsman’, oh ‘his yawn means he has no respect for curfews’.

He has been a brilliant performer and captain at u19 and domestic level, but was given a chance far too late because he ‘couldnt bat like kami’ who is the worst player we’ve had in our history.

When he was finally given an extended chance in the team, he performed incredibly for a couple of seasons. He was eventually given the captaincy where he helped us win the Champions Trophy and had success in T20s. However his form and fitness dipped so rightfully he was dropped. ‘But he’s not a sportsman at all because he yawned’

So, I’m giving opinions but you are giving paragraphs worth of facts.

Got it. Keep rooting for him to make a comeback.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

I don't why getting category A, B or C doesn't matter to Sarfaraz? Why would he say that?

These categories are linked to performance - they better you perform, the higher you go.

So it sounds to me like it doesn't matter to him if his performances drop.

In corporate world, you would always strive to be significantly above target. Whether you get there or not, it will matter to you if you drop below your last year's performance.

I am sure Sarfaraz doesn't mean that performances do not matter. But as a former Captain and a leader of the team, what he says matters.

It also indirectly undermines what the likes of Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah have achieved - it matters hugely to them to be top performers. Ultimately, they will set the tone for the team and not Sarfaraz which is a shame given he is looked up to for his leadership and seniority.

 

[Pakhs]

His weight loss is very encouraging, will be interesting to see if that translates in to performance

He will definitely get some matches on the English tour. Senior culture is as strong as ever in Pakistan, and its not like Rizwan has been setting the world on fire.

Rizwan technique will be exposed against the seaming and swinging duke ball in England.

 

[Forum363]

So, I’m giving opinions but you are giving paragraphs worth of facts.

Got it. Keep rooting for him to make a comeback.

What a disappointing and condescending reply.

Go ahead and comment more on how yawning and fitness are linked LOL ...

 

[shamaan]

Rizwan technique will be exposed against the seaming and swinging duke ball in England.

Hes got a better technique than sarfraz that's for a fact even thou I dont like rizwan in tests rizwan only option

 

[shamaan]

I don't why getting category A, B or C doesn't matter to Sarfaraz? Why would he say that?

These categories are linked to performance - they better you perform, the higher you go.

So it sounds to me like it doesn't matter to him if his performances drop.

In corporate world, you would always strive to be significantly above target. Whether you get there or not, it will matter to you if you drop below your last year's performance.

I am sure Sarfaraz doesn't mean that performances do not matter. But as a former Captain and a leader of the team, what he says matters.

It also indirectly undermines what the likes of Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah have achieved - it matters hugely to them to be top performers. Ultimately, they will set the tone for the team and not Sarfaraz which is a shame given he is looked up to for his leadership and seniority.

Becouse he accepts he wasnt good enough and thinks hes lucky to get even a contract ?

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

Becouse he accepts he wasnt good enough and thinks hes lucky to get even a contract ?

It will help for him to say his performances weren't good enough, he deserved the demotion, but he is determined to be a high performer again and go back to where he belongs.

Or

His performances were good, he feels hard done by and he is going to prove everyone wrong by putting in great performances now that he has got a chance.

Rather than, all categories are good and all he wants to be is in Pakistan team.

 

[shamaan]

It will help for him to say his performances weren't good enough, he deserved the demotion, but he is determined to be a high performer again and go back to where he belongs.

Or

His performances were good, he feels hard done by and he is going to prove everyone wrong by putting in great performances now that he has got a chance.

Rather than, all categories are good and all he wants to be is in Pakistan team.

I belive it's the first one or the third one

 

[MenInG]

Sarfaraz speaking recently:

"This was the first Ramadan that many of our cricketers did not even play one game in it"

"I still eat Biryani like I used to before, its not as if I have completely stopped eating it; But you know, we have to live also and we grew up eating Biryani after all!"

"This year on Eid, there was Biryani made and I did try it"

"We had got used to seeing large crowds at PSL as the quality of cricket in this year's tournament had not been seen before"

"Acting is a tough thing to do so if a film is made about my life, I would not be in it but I would like Fahad Mustafa to play my role"

"There is a ground next to my house so what I do is to go running there to keep myself fit"

“England tour has always been tough for the Pakistan team. Since the conditions are quite different over there, our players find it difficult to adapt to them. Hopefully, our performance will be much better in the upcoming tour,”

 

[Pakhs]

Hes got a better technique than sarfraz that's for a fact even thou I dont like rizwan in tests rizwan only option

This is a joke - I dont think you know much about batting techniques. Sarfraz himself has a bad technique but no way as bad as Rizwan.

 

[CleverSir]

If I recall, he is a devoutly religious person. I think he's mentally transitioning to a second career probably in TV and related to religion. He's a decently spoken person and will probably do well. Wish him the best.

As for short term, of course we're gonna take him to England. Too risky with a pandemic to go with only one keeper. He'll probably see a few matches as well depending on how Rizwan does.

 

[shamaan]

This is a joke - I dont think you know much about batting techniques. Sarfraz himself has a bad technique but no way as bad as Rizwan.

So how do u evaluate technique by strike rate,average ?

 

[MenInG]

Sarfaraz in the squad for England but will get a chance to play? Or is this a way of getting him back into the team and moving Rizwan to second fiddle status?

 

[shamaan]

Sarfaraz in the squad for England but will get a chance to play? Or is this a way of getting him back into the team and moving Rizwan to second fiddle status?

In tests its defo going to be rizwan if he performs in the tests he will play the t20s if he doesnt I expect sarfraz to get 2 games and 1 game rizwan or vise versa

 

[TeymurBlake]

Sarfaraz in the squad for England but will get a chance to play? Or is this a way of getting him back into the team and moving Rizwan to second fiddle status?

Imo there's a chance both could play. Rizwan as WK and Sarfi as No.6 as a specialist bat.

 

[MenInG]

Misbah on Sarfaraz today:

"We believe that the 2nd best keeping option still is Sarfaraz. He has done well since being dropped and he has a good prior record. He's also a good keeper and we have to keep that in mind.

"We often judge keepers' performance by their runs only. In England, you need to look at how a keeper performs with the gloves. It's not easy to do that in England. I think you need experience there and Sarfaraz has performed well there previously. Now he isn't under the captaincy pressure as well. Overall, I think it's important to bank on such experienced players for such series.

 

[ZamanFan]

[MENTION=134608]Hawkeye[/MENTION]

Sending my commiserations to you wherever you are

If it gives you some solace I also am not happy with this selection. I dont want him to play under Misbah.

 

[Hawkeye]

[MENTION=134608]Hawkeye[/MENTION]

Sending my commiserations to you wherever you are

If it gives you some solace I also am not happy with this selection. I dont want him to play under Misbah.

I'm okay with him on this tour, as it's a locked/quarantine tour, nobody else is going to come in as a replacement if Rizwan breaks down on such a long tour.

 

[MenInG]

Karachi: Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has revealed his wish after making comeback in the team after eight months.

The wicket-keeper batsman while talking to reporters via teleconference said his wish is to score a double-century in Test cricket.

“Every batsman wishes to achieve this landmark as it is considered to be a lifetime achievement. I have scored in domestic cricket but unfortunately, I haven’t scored in international cricket but now if there is any chance of scoring, so I will definitely go for it,” Sarfaraz said.

“On previous England tours, I didn’t score a fifty and got dismissed in the 40s but if I will get the chance so I will bat long me and the team,” he added.

The 33-year-old feels no competition with Mohammad Rizwan, who is Pakistan’s preferred wicket-keeper in recent times and gave the example of country’s greatest wicket-keepers Moin Khan and Rashid Latif.

“We all know, in the past tours of England. Both Rashid and Moin got to play and there was no first and second option. Rizwan is obviously doing well for the team and I will also be there with the team,” he added.

Sarfaraz stated that after getting dropped from the side, he tried to work on his fitness and went on to play domestic cricket to improve his form.

“I went to Faislabad to play domestic cricket then I played in National T20 cup and Pakistan Super League. So, I tried to stay focused there,” he added.

He also shared his thoughts as a former skipper on the squad combination for the upcoming tour of England.

“We have been doing good in Test cricket lately as we won against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Fast bowlers are impressive in our squad which will benefit us in England. Our record has been great there in the Test format and hopefully, we will do well as an away team,” he maintained.

It must be noted that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 29-player squad for three Tests and three T20Is against England. The Pakistan team will leave for ‘bio-secure’ England tour on June 28 via a chartered plane.

Sarfaraz and pacer Sohail Khan have made a comeback while emerging batsman Haider Ali has received his maiden call-up. Sarfaraz was dropped from the side last year in October and was also sacked from the captaincy role.

http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/s...e-quot-Sarfaraz-Ahmed&p=10783992#post10783992

 

[Pakhs]

So how do u evaluate technique by strike rate,average ?

Technique is not evaluated by strike rate or average but how correct his positioning is to play the ball and his defensive game, footwork etc.

 

[shamaan]

Technique is not evaluated by strike rate or average but how correct his positioning is to play the ball and his defensive game, footwork etc.

So if my technique is perfect but I dont score runs is that good enough for you

Or would you mind if I have a poor technique and score runs will that be ok for you.

Also does chanperful have good technique is It from the manual book

 

[Pakhs]

So if my technique is perfect but I dont score runs is that good enough for you

Or would you mind if I have a poor technique and score runs will that be ok for you.

Also does chanperful have good technique is It from the manual book

If you have a good technique you will always score runs baring bad form. Chaderpaul actually had a good technique it just looks different but all basics are covered. He never played across the line, he got forward when needed and went right back when needed plus his technique afforded him a rock solid defense.

In short if you have a good technique you will always score runs.