"I have done very well in fitness tests; who says my weight is on the high side?" : Sarfaraz Ahmed

[Varun]

"I have done very well in fitness tests; who says my weight is on the high side?" : Sarfaraz Ahmed

Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed speaking to media

"Pakistan squad has decided to donate PKR 32 Lakhs for Diamer-Bhasha Dam fund, 16 players have decided to give 2 Lakhs each " : Sarfaraz

Our preparations for Asia Cup have been very good ;even though the weather here was very hot we practiced for 4 days and played a practice game as well "

"I am doing my best to improve my batting and try and do well for the team whenever I get a chance"

"If you are referring to the previous tour, I only got a chance to bat in T20Is and you all know how I did there"

"Asia Cup is a big event and top teams of Asia are playing in it so we are going in with good preparation"

"As I said before momentum is important in such tournaments as we saw in the Champions Trophy where we got momentum after defeating South Africa and we carried that all the way into the final"

"Our morale is high and we will hope to get momentum from the first game and take it forward"

"I have done very well in fitness tests and who says my weight is on the high side?"

"Whenever there is a big series then we always take a backup keeper"

"It's not like I am not taking another keeper as backup"

"I have just started playing so if I ask team management for rest then what will that look like?!"

"Look, Virat Kohli may have his own issues so he asked his board for rest so I can't say much about that"

"The pitches in UAE are slow so spinners will play an important role there"

"In terms of strategy, we will look to score 300+ if we bat first as we have bowlers who can defend this target"

From what I see all teams are good and even Hong Kong's team has qualified after playing quality competitive cricket

Each team will have to play good cricket if we wish to win this event

Both Salman Butt and Kamran Akmal are performing well and whenever there is a place or when selectors feel it right they will be given a chance

All the good keepers (backups) are either training in the academy or are with A team

Our journey to the 2019 World Cup begins with this Asia Cup

We are trying to sort problems with losing early wickets which we saw in NZ

Our fitness is upto the mark now, our total team average used to be 17.6 or 17.7 now its 18.6

Inzi bhai has said clearly that its not the case that Hafeez is not required any more


Hafeez is part of our main pool of players for the 2019 World

There is always criticism when you don't perform

Thankfully I haven't encountered any serious criticism yet although get some bits

We dont have a 150kph fast bowler yet but Hasan Ali is improving and his pace is improving

We do have experienced bowlers in shape of Amir and Junaid Khan and its not just pace that matters

 

[MenInG]

Sarfaraz taken back a bit about questions on his weight

 

[SensiblePakFan]

he doesnt have to respond, the reports are clear.

 

[Mohammad zuber]

Sarfaraz taken back a bit about questions on his weight

His lack of runs actually diverted people on his fitness

 

[Syed1]

Difference between Kohli and Sarfaraz:

"I have just started playing so if I ask team management for rest then what will that look like?!"

 

[Hasan123]

Ok you have sorted your fitness out . Now sort your performance out.

 

[Slim]

I love how our players are refraining from commenting on India. Good to see we havent lowered ourselves to the level of Sehwag, Ganguly, Harbhajan etc.

 

[Savak]

Sarfaraz weight was on the higher side, any neutral observer could tell his running b/w the wickets had suffered.

Maybe he has lost the weight now perhaps.

 

[PakLFC]

So what if Sarfaraz enjoys a few mince paratha's!! There is nothing wrong with it as long as he takes his catches and scores some runs

 

[MMHS]

If his score is 18.2, then he must have improved at a standard scale. Whether that's sufficient or not for a WK-Captain in 3 formats only time'll tell; but guy should be praised for his efforts. At this age, it's not easy to reduce weight without sacrificing power, and he'll need lots of power & stamina in his role - that's keeping for 50 overs in UAE heat & then bat at 4. I think, he himself is aware that fitness & body weight is an issue for him, hence gets agitated whenever asked such questions.

 

[Adijazz1706]

If his score is 18.2, then he must have improved at a standard scale. Whether that's sufficient or not for a WK-Captain in 3 formats only time'll tell; but guy should be praised for his efforts. At this age, it's not easy to reduce weight without sacrificing power, and he'll need lots of power & stamina in his role - that's keeping for 50 overs in UAE heat & then bat at 4. I think, he himself is aware that fitness & body weight is an issue for him, hence gets agitated whenever asked such questions.

I personally think Haris should be at 4 with Sarfaraz at 5 and Malik - Asif - Shadab - Hasan -Amir -Shaheen. Batting at 4 after keeping in UAE is no easy task especially with Sarfi's playing style

 

[TeymurBlake]

Its good that he worked on his fitness. But now the focus will be on his performances. He must perform with the busy schedule Pakistan have coming up, they will need there captain to perform and lead from the front.

 

[TeamPak95]

I'm not too hellbent on his fitness as long as he's scoring runs, the numbers aint lying.

 

[kuskash]

Difference between Kohli and Sarfaraz:

"I have just started playing so if I ask team management for rest then what will that look like?!"

I think Kohli did a serious crime by asking and having rest. Should be punished heavily. He is not suppossed to skip mighty Asia cup.

 

[Mamoon]

Difference between Kohli and Sarfaraz:

"I have just started playing so if I ask team management for rest then what will that look like?!"

If Sarfraz was an ATG player and the best performer in the world let alone in the team, he would have deserved a rest from an irrelevant tournament like the Asia Cup.

However, that is not the case. He is a mediocre player whose individual performance has been substandard for a while now, and he is probably the last player in the team who deserves a rest.

 

[waleed88]

Sarfraz looks fitter than before in this conference I saw on facebook live of PCB

 

[MenInG]

KARACHI: Former Captain Moin Khan on Monday called on the Pakistan cricket authorities for giving Sarfraz Ahmed a long run as captain of Pakistan and said the wicketkeeper-batsman should be appointed skipper till the World Cup 2019 to ensure that he carries the best team combination to the mega event.

Speaking to Dawn on Monday, Moin said: “Sarfraz is a fighter who has led the national team superbly in all the formats so far. So I strongly recommend to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to announce him as skipper till the World Cup 2019 so that he is able to groom and build a winning combination of players for the mega event in England.”

Moin, who was part of the 1992 World Cup winning team as wicketkeeer-batsman, observed that Sarfraz had infused a tremendous fighting spirit into the side and the Pakistan team is displaying mental toughness as well as competitive cricket while taking on all oppositions in world cricket.

“I have seldom seen our team making so many good comebacks that they have done in all formats of the game in recent times,” added Moin. “The manner in which we bounced back to win the Champions Trophy in England last year, and then again in the final against Australia in the tri-series in Zimbabwe last month was a treat to watch.”

Moin also praised Sarfraz for giving confidence to so many young players by giving them a fair run at international games. “There are more than a dozen young and talented players who have blossomed as match-winners for Pakistan under the able leadership of Sarfraz,” he said. “Chop and change is not Sarfraz’s idea of cricket and he deserves the credit for giving a fair run to so many youngsters in the last two years which has paid off in a handsome manner for our cricket.”

“I feel that Sarfraz highly deserves a longer run as captain now after having proved his credentials, and urge the PCB to announce him as captain till the next year’s World Cup.”


https://www.dawn.com/news/1432182/s...ll-world-cup-to-ensure-best-results-moin-khan

 

[light]

Difference between Kohli and Sarfaraz:

"I have just started playing so if I ask team management for rest then what will that look like?!"

Comparing Safraz the "player" with Kohli the "player" - not captain - is like trying to compare a Honda civic with a Ferrari. That my friend is the difference between these two ...

 

[Syed1]

Comparing Safraz the "player" with Kohli the "player" - not captain - is like trying to compare a Honda civic with a Ferrari. That my friend is the difference between these two ...

Both the Ferari and Civic were taken on the same track while the Ferari rested on its laurels and was busy showing off its excellent shape and style, the Civic finished the lap with flying colors. A la Champions Trophy and Tour of England.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

If his score is 18.2, then he must have improved at a standard scale. Whether that's sufficient or not for a WK-Captain in 3 formats only time'll tell; but guy should be praised for his efforts. At this age, it's not easy to reduce weight without sacrificing power, and he'll need lots of power & stamina in his role - that's keeping for 50 overs in UAE heat & then bat at 4. I think, he himself is aware that fitness & body weight is an issue for him, hence gets agitated whenever asked such questions.

He was clearly overweight previously, hopefully he is now showing indignation because he has got himself in better shape, in which case the criticism will have done him good.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Both the Ferari and Civic were taken on the same track while the Ferari rested on its laurels and was busy showing off its excellent shape and style, the Civic finished the lap with flying colors. A la Champions Trophy and Tour of England.

OK i get it ,SARFARAZ is a better player than kohli.Congrats you have an atg wicketkeeper.

 

[kuskash]

Both the Ferari and Civic were taken on the same track while the Ferari rested on its laurels and was busy showing off its excellent shape and style, the Civic finished the lap with flying colors. A la Champions Trophy and Tour of England.

Bhai, dont make fool of yourself. If you only consider them as players, no comparison exists. Kohli asked for rest now, difficult to understand why do you need to bring CT to prove your point? Pak has comprehensively won CT fair and square, no one denies it. I also expect Pak to win WC, but as players no comparison.

 

[Syed1]

Bhai, dont make fool of yourself. If you only consider them as players, no comparison exists. Kohli asked for rest now, difficult to understand why do you need to bring CT to prove your point? Pak has comprehensively won CT fair and square, no one denies it. I also expect Pak to win WC, but as players no comparison.

Where did I compare them as players? You are the one who just made a fool out of yourself.

 

[Syed1]

Funny when you compare Sarfaraz and Kohli's performance as captains, Indians and psuedo-Indians bring Kohli's performance as a player to defend him.


Kohli is not even fit to polish Sarfaraz's shoes as captain.

 

[kuskash]

Funny when you compare Sarfaraz and Kohli's performance as captains, Indians and psuedo-Indians bring Kohli's performance as a player to defend him.


Kohli is not even fit to polish Sarfaraz's shoes as captain.

The last line shows your excellent knowledge about the game. Keep them coming.

 

[kuskash]

Funny when you compare Sarfaraz and Kohli's performance as captains, Indians and psuedo-Indians bring Kohli's performance as a player to defend him.


Kohli is not even fit to polish Sarfaraz's shoes as captain.

Sorry brother, I misunderstood. I thought it was comparison about players. I was not aware it was about captaincy.

 

[hadi123]

He may do well in his fitness tests but still needs to lose weight, people can be fat yet have stamina but for all reasons he should still try and lose weight regardless of whether he is passing fitness tests.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Sarfaraz sounds Hangry with his response

 

[MMHS]

I personally think Haris should be at 4 with Sarfaraz at 5 and Malik - Asif - Shadab - Hasan -Amir -Shaheen. Batting at 4 after keeping in UAE is no easy task especially with Sarfi's playing style

It's a compromise call between No. 4 & 5. No. 5 needs to be more brutal with instant hitting power, while No. 4 needs to be more complete, who has multiple gear and lots of stamina to bat for long. A 23 ball 35 might be good for No. 5 (6), while No. 4 often has to bat for 25+ overs.

Between these tow positions, in terms of cricket - I don't think Sarfraz is best fit for No. 5, he doesn't have the power game. But, he can serve at 4, as he is better player of spin; but it'll demand better fitness, stamina and endurance for long term (being Captain, he can't play 3 games and rest the 4th one with pulled hammi).

As I read, he has improved his fitness significantly, might have lost weight as well, I'll take a chance with him at 4 and test his endurance, rather than putting him at 5 and expect performance out of his range. Haris actually shouldn't be in playing XI, unless they go for 7 batsmen strategy - ideally, now it's a choice between Malik & Haris, specialist batsman who can bowl a bit. If Haris is to play, her should bat in top 4, if not 3 - may be Babar, FZ/Haris or Haris/FZ in top 3, but that takes Imam out which is unfair after his ZIM tour.

 

[MMHS]

He was clearly overweight previously, hopefully he is now showing indignation because he has got himself in better shape, in which case the criticism will have done him good.

Hope for the best - he is leading the side well, but he isn't good enough Captain to deserve a spot, making it a 10 men + Captain situation, actually no one in Cricket, you have to lead from the front, at least you can't be a baggage as Captain.

If PAK Captain needs criticism to realize that he needs to improve his fitness, that doesn't tell a good story though - he should handle himself better against such questions, otherwise people'll get under his skin too easily. I didn't hear the voice, but wording tells me that it was a response from anger.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Gets unnecessary criticism. Captain, keeper, batsman and leading a young side who were no 6, 7, 8 in rankings. Playing all formats non-stop for last 18 months (i think the only cricketer in world) without any break (even played tour matches). Must have been very draining but kudos to him for his unparalleled commitment and selflesness.

Lucky to have such a player leading Pakistan.

 

[light]

Both the Ferari and Civic were taken on the same track while the Ferari rested on its laurels and was busy showing off its excellent shape and style, the Civic finished the lap with flying colors. A la Champions Trophy and Tour of England.

Tour of England was not bad for him since he did score heavily, unlike his team mates. You seem to like bringing around CT quite often with wtv argument. Well Kohli was part of a WC champion team, won U19 WC aswell. So CT > WC? At the end of the day, Kohli will be known as an ATG where as not many will remember Safraz the player (unless Pakistan wins the WC in 2019 - which I believe you guys have a great shot at with the new bunch of players).

 

[mak36]

If people watched the video, they would know he didn't get angry or sensitive etc.

The guy who asked the question was ill-informed and making big claims, so Sarfaraz politely asked him a question back.

 

[MenInG]

If people watched the video, they would know he didn't get angry or sensitive etc.

The guy who asked the question was ill-informed and making big claims, so Sarfaraz politely asked him a question back.

Yes that is correct - Sarf never loses his temper. The question was ruder if anything.

 

[Syed1]

Tour of England was not bad for him since he did score heavily, unlike his team mates. You seem to like bringing around CT quite often with wtv argument. Well Kohli was part of a WC champion team, won U19 WC aswell. So CT > WC? At the end of the day, Kohli will be known as an ATG where as not many will remember Safraz the player (unless Pakistan wins the WC in 2019 - which I believe you guys have a great shot at with the new bunch of players).

I'm comparing CAPTAINCY of both players. CAPTAINCY!

 

[light]

I'm comparing CAPTAINCY of both players. CAPTAINCY!

Let's be honest here. Neither of them are good at that department. Safraz likes to complain and moan on the field and even gets ignored by his own bowlers at times when he comes to give them lecture. Virat on the other hand is a dictator on field and no one seems to have any balls to tell him off. Neither of them has the ability to motivate their respective team mates. CT was won not because of Safraz, rather because the team stepped up and performed when they needed to. A captain to me is someone who can take someone mediocre and make them belief that he can achieve much more. Likes of Imran Khan/Ganguly were good at that department.

 

[Darkrai]

Let's be honest here. Neither of them are good at that department. Safraz likes to complain and moan on the field and even gets ignored by his own bowlers at times when he comes to give them lecture. Virat on the other hand is a dictator on field and no one seems to have any balls to tell him off. Neither of them has the ability to motivate their respective team mates. CT was won not because of Safraz, rather because the team stepped up and performed when they needed to. A captain to me is someone who can take someone mediocre and make them belief that he can achieve much more. Likes of Imran Khan/Ganguly were good at that department.

Yes. The guy who won CT with the worst ranked team in the tournament, took T20 team from rank 7 or 8 to number 1 in no time, and drew series in Eng with a squad that had only 3 senior players-same place where the mighty India lost 4-1-he is clearly not a good captain.

 

[Mamoon]

Yes. The guy who won CT with the worst ranked team in the tournament, took T20 team from rank 7 or 8 to number 1 in no time, and drew series in Eng with a squad that had only 3 senior players-same place where the mighty India lost 4-1-he is clearly not a good captain.

And who lead Pakistan to a 5-0 whitewash in New Zealand and a 2-0 whitewash to Sri Lanka in the UAE, and whose own performance is well below par. There is too much hyperbole over his supposedly magical captaincy - his team badly failed their toughest Limited Overs challenge post Champions Trophy, i.e. the New Zealand ODI series. If he is such a genius captain, surely he would won at least one match.

As far as the T20I ranking is concerned, everyone knows that it is an artificial ranking built on beating weakened teams and minnows. We have not had balanced fixtures and played too many games against lowly opposition. The only notable achievements were the one-off win in England and the 2-1 win in New Zealand, but that is not enough to be ranked 1.

Unlike Test rankings, T20I rankings are meaningless. Most teams experiment a lot and try different combinations.

Sarfraz's achievements as captain are overstated. Yes he is much better than Misbah, Afridi and Azhar, but he is not the tactical genius that his fans have made him out to be.

 

[Abdul]

Because you've got a big as belly.

 

[Darkrai]

And who lead Pakistan to a 5-0 whitewash in New Zealand and a 2-0 whitewash to Sri Lanka in the UAE, and whose own performance is well below par. There is too much hyperbole over his supposedly magical captaincy - his team badly failed their toughest Limited Overs challenge post Champions Trophy, i.e. the New Zealand ODI series. If he is such a genius captain, surely he would won at least one match.

As far as the T20I ranking is concerned, everyone knows that it is an artificial ranking built on beating weakened teams and minnows. We have not had balanced fixtures and played too many games against lowly opposition. The only notable achievements were the one-off win in England and the 2-1 win in New Zealand, but that is not enough to be ranked 1.

Unlike Test rankings, T20I rankings are meaningless. Most teams experiment a lot and try different combinations.

Sarfraz's achievements as captain are overstated. Yes he is much better than Misbah, Afridi and Azhar, but he is not the tactical genius that his fans have made him out to be.

When did i say he is a genius? I was replying to someone who said he isn't a good captain.

If he won everything he would be the greatest captain ever, especially with bunch of youngsters. You say we are not a good team, that we will be left behind by teams like BD soon, but you refuse to give him credit for winning with a "mediocre" team? Which is it? Are we a good team and Sarfraz is a poor captain? Because you can't expect some one to win you series in places like NZ, where even the mighty India lost 4-0, with a mediocre team.

How many Pakistani batsmen performed in NZ? Captaincy won't do you any good when you are 3 or 4 down within couple of overs in every single match.

Against SL the team was in transition phase. We lost our 2 best players, one was captain. Our team was filled with new players, only had like 3 or 4 seniors. We should have won but the team management made few mistakes. And don't forget SL is very good in spinning conditions, they have white washed teams like SA and AUS. So losing to them isn't the worst thing possible.

In T20 we beat NZ in NZ, Eng in Eng, and we also beat Aus, Not to mention we have beaten WI, World Champions (I guess only against India and not us), countless times. Who else is left?? SA? who are ranked 6th? What else do you want bro?? It's never enough for you.

I'm not claiming Sarfraz is the best captain in the world but to say he is a bad captain is ridiculous.

 

[light]

How many Pakistani batsmen performed in NZ? Captaincy won't do you any good when you are 3 or 4 down within couple of overs in every single match.

Against SL the team was in transition phase. We lost our 2 best players, one was captain. Our team was filled with new players, only had like 3 or 4 seniors. We should have won but the team management made few mistakes. ...

I'm not claiming Sarfraz is the best captain in the world but to say he is a bad captain is ridiculous.

Since you want to go down this path, let's break down your argument.

You yourself admit that captaincy won't do you any good when 3-4 are already down. Seems like the same situation Virat was in during his england test match which concluded recently.

Team management made a few mistakes you say? Well when was the last time team India played the same Xl? (even though it's virat's fault partially - other being the blind - drunked on wisky coach).

Also do note that I was replying to Syed's reply about him trying to compare both of these guys captaincy. And he brought out CT as usual as his defence and all I did was point out that neither one is best in the business. But that doesn't mean he is a horrible captain, it simply means he is tactically not good enough to be the best in the business. Not really sure what your point is here. Your argument is contradicting your own statements all over the place.

 

[Darkrai]

Since you want to go down this path, let's break down your argument.

You yourself admit that captaincy won't do you any good when 3-4 are already down. Seems like the same situation Virat was in during his england test match which concluded recently.

Team management made a few mistakes you say? Well when was the last time team India played the same Xl? (even though it's virat's fault partially - other being the blind - drunked on wisky coach).

Also do note that I was replying to Syed's reply about him trying to compare both of these guys captaincy. And he brought out CT as usual as his defence and all I did was point out that neither one is best in the business. But that doesn't mean he is a horrible captain, it simply means he is tactically not good enough to be the best in the business. Not really sure what your point is here. Your argument is contradicting your own statements all over the place.

Why are you bringing Kohli into the picture? We are talking about Sarfraz.

If you want to talk about Kohli's captaincy then there have been many instances where he allowed Eng get away from positions like 86/6 or 190/7 to 300+ runs. If India hadn't allowed England's tail to score so many runs they might have won the series. So it's not the same thing. Obvious stuff.

The highlighted stuff. Not sure why you're telling me this. It only shows Virat isn't a good captain.

When did i say that YOU said Sarfraz is a bad captain? I quote myself, "i was replying to someone who said Sarfraz is not a good captain". That is exactly what you said. So what are you trying to say again?

I never talked about Kohli. Your whole reply doesn't make any sense.

 

[light]

Why are you bringing Kohli into the picture? We are talking about Sarfraz.

If you want to talk about Kohli's captaincy then there have been many instances where he allowed Eng get away from positions like 86/6 or 190/7 to 300+ runs. If India hadn't allowed England's tail to score so many runs they might have won the series. So it's not the same thing. Obvious stuff.

The highlighted stuff. Not sure why you're telling me this. It only shows Virat isn't a good captain.

When did i say that YOU said Sarfraz is a bad captain? I quote myself, "i was replying to someone who said Sarfraz is not a good captain". That is exactly what you said. So what are you trying to say again?

I never talked about Kohli. Your whole reply doesn't make any sense.

Do you even know what you are talking about mate? Syed and I were discussing Kohli V Safraz. You came in the middle and i simply replied to you assuming you were talking about what was being debated between us two. Feel free to scroll up and reread what was being discussed between us.

 

[Darkrai]

Do you even know what you are talking about mate? Syed and I were discussing Kohli V Safraz. You came in the middle and i simply replied to you assuming you were talking about what was being debated between us two. Feel free to scroll up and reread what was being discussed between us.

I'll repeat myself. I only talked about Sarfraz. I gave reasons as to why he is a good captain, without mentioning Kohli because i don't disagree with you there. Instead of trying to prove me wrong about Sarfraz you brought up Kohli-which doesn't have anything to do with Sarfraz's captaincy. This is the reason why i said your reply doesn't make sense.

Anyways this is pointless. No need to continue.

 

[light]

^ since both of us were debating about Kohli v Safraz hence I thought you were discussing about that aswell. But putting Kohli aside, Safraz is not a good captain by definition. He is not horrible, neither is he good. An avg player and a captain. Does not lead from the front, not a master tactician either. Does not know how to motivate his team mates. These are necessary traits for a captain to possess. Like I mentioned previously, people like Imran khan/ Ganguly knew how to get the best out of mediocre players. People like Dhoni who is a master tactician. Even Mishba to some extent lead from the front with his bat. Safraz does not check mark any of the boxes for me personally.

 

[Pakhs]

I have always been more concerned about his batting than his fitness.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Sarfraz should work on his batting, maine iskay jitnay interview sunay zada tar mai he talks about captaincy and keeping. Mentality change krni ho gi.. Atleast in Asia he can score valuable runs.

 

[MRSN]

If you were fit you would have never turned down that single to runout baber. This guy is the most luckiest to be leading us despite being mediocre and lazy individual.

 

[Hasan123]

[MENTION=138254]Syed1[/MENTION] probably still doing banghra over Sarfraz restrict a team from 12-3 to 239.

 

[MRSN]

Yeah we all saw how fit you are. Pathetic fitness standards by supreme leader.

 

[Zaz]

The goodwill from the fans from the CT win is quickly running out for sarfi

He needs to quickly get start getting some runs and win big matches for pakistan

He wont be at the helm if both his form and the results dont take an upward trajectory soon

 

[MRSN]

Nobody can question his highness.

 

[Sachin136]

Funny when you compare Sarfaraz and Kohli's performance as captains, Indians and psuedo-Indians bring Kohli's performance as a player to defend him.


Kohli is not even fit to polish Sarfaraz's shoes as captain.

India hasn't lost multiple home series under Kohli. They're ranked #1 in tests and #2 in ODIs under him. Pakistan is ranked #7 and #5 in ODIs under Sarfaraz. So what performances are you talking about (apart from the CT)?

 

[leg-side-flick]

india hasn't lost multiple home series under kohli. They're ranked #1 in tests and #2 in odis under him. Pakistan is ranked #7 and #5 in odis under sarfaraz. So what performances are you talking about (apart from the ct)?

t 20

 

[King-Misbah]

Pathetic player and captain. When one looked at Misbah; you know he was worthy to be the Pakistan captain. Sarfraz is fat and small; never scores runs but screams at others.

 

[Hasan123]

India hasn't lost multiple home series under Kohli. They're ranked #1 in tests and #2 in ODIs under him. Pakistan is ranked #7 and #5 in ODIs under Sarfaraz. So what performances are you talking about (apart from the CT)?

He looses the plot when it comes to Sarfraz. Sarfraz tactics are rubbish and netrual poster can see Kohli is a vastly superior captain. The funniest thing is he doesn't rate the Indian bowling attack yet they are ranked number 1 in tests and number 2 in ODIs. Also he doesn't rate Kohli as a captain. So don't take him too seriously.

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

Sarfraz looked fitter 3 months back which was a pleasant surprise from the captain whereas now it looks that he has regained around 5 kg weight.


Sarfraz must improve his batting performance for which he needs to make some technical adjustments in his batting especially against Pace. Needs to improve his balance at the crease and crouch far less against pacers. This is why his batting numbers outside Asia are quite poor.


Yes his overall Test numbers are not bad but Pakistan needs Sarfraz's fifties at that game changing SR of 70 plus.


His Captaincy is fine in Test Cricket and there is No alternative available at the moment. We must stick with him as a wicket keeper and Captain.

 

[PakPremi]

Sarfraz looked fitter 3 months back which was a pleasant surprise from the captain whereas now it looks that he has regained around 5 kg weight.


Sarfraz must improve his batting performance for which he needs to make some technical adjustments in his batting especially against Pace. Needs to improve his balance at the crease and crouch far less against pacers. This is why his batting numbers outside Asia are quite poor.


Yes his overall Test numbers are not bad but Pakistan needs Sarfraz's fifties at that game changing SR of 70 plus.


His Captaincy is fine in Test Cricket and there is No alternative available at the moment. We must stick with him as a wicket keeper and Captain.

Good balanced post-- such posters do exist wow.
Sarfraz needs to be relieved of test captaincy but there is no threat to place in the team, the only format where he is not suitable for batting is T20 but he captains well there

 

[MenInG]

What a turn around for his weight atleast....

KARACHI: Sarfraz Ahmed believes he has made most of the time spent on the sidelines of the Pakistan team.

The wicket-keeper/batsman looks more sharper, leaner and fitter than he’s ever been and is ready to go for another Pakistan Super League title.

Sarfraz did not want to talk about a potential comeback to the national side. Instead, sitting in the physiotherapy room at the National Stadium on Tuesday, he wanted to focus on how he’s changed his outlook since he was stripped off the Pakistan captaincy in October last year.

“It was an opportunity for me to spend more time on working towards fitness,” Quetta Gladiators captain Sarfraz told Dawn.

“When playing cricket continuously, the focus is more on skill level. But more time off helps with working on both skill and fitness. I’ve worked hard and it will definitely show on the field during the PSL.”

Spoiler

Quetta begin the defence of their title in the opening fixture of the fifth PSL edition against Islamabad United at the National Stadium on Thursday.

Before winning the final last season, Quetta were also losing finalists in 2016 and 2017 under Sarfraz’s captaincy.As Pakistan’s Twenty20 captain, Sarfraz led the side to the top of the ICC rankings and another PSL title with the Gladiators could see him pushing at the door of the national team ahead of the World Twenty20 later this year.

For now, though, Sarfraz’s thoughts are on playing well in the PSL, especially with the bat. He said he will feature at the heart of the Gladiators’ line-up as he did last year.

KARACHI: A bird’s-eye view of the National Stadium which is set to host matches of the upcoming Pakistan Super League.—AFP
“I normally play at number four or five and will continue that. But it might vary according to different situations,” said the right-hander.

The Karachi-born Sarfraz said representing Quetta is a huge responsibility for him and his team-mates. The 31-year-old is deeply associated with Karachi but wearing the Gladiators’ colours gives him a different purpose. In Quetta, where cricket is not as popular as other big cities of Pakistan, Sarfraz wants to inspire kids to take up the sport as passion and profession.

“It is true that cricket is not the most popular sport in Quetta, but as players of Quetta Gladiators, we want to give performances which instill passion for cricket in kids there,” he said.

“When we visited Quetta after winning the title last year for the trophy parade, the response was amazing. Things like such motivate us to perform and represent Quetta in the best way possible.”

It is often pointed out that the Gladiators’ squad hardly features any players for Quetta. Wicket-keeper/batsman Bismillah Khan has been the most prominent local from the city in the domestic circuit and the PSL.

However, Sarfraz said the franchise is working towards development of cricket in the city and will hopefully unleash 21-year-old all-rounder Abdul Nasir — a find of the annual Gladiators’ inter-school tournament in Quetta — in the upcoming edition.

 

[ManFan]

Only losing weight once he has been moved to the sidelines and not when he was the CAPTAIN of the national side in all THREE formats.

 

[Snowflake]

Boggles my mind how he couldn't motivate himself to get in prime shape for the grandest stage where he was leading his country but a few months out of the team and he's looking like a different person! Sad.

 

[hur rizvi]

Looks in great shape. He is good enough to make a comeback. Rizwan is good but sarfraz can easily challenge him

 

[Forum363]

Rizwan clearly does not have the game for limited overs. Sarfaraz himself is not a world beater but considerably ahead of Rizwan in T20s / ODIs.

I know who I would rather have at number 4 in the World Cup.

 

[hur rizvi]

Rizwan clearly does not have the game for limited overs. Sarfaraz himself is not a world beater but considerably ahead of Rizwan in T20s / ODIs.

I know who I would rather have at number 4 in the World Cup.

Rizwan can be better in ODIs but for T20s given the evidence sarfraz is better

 

[Forum363]

Rizwan can be better in ODIs but for T20s given the evidence sarfraz is better

Yes perhaps, I guess Rizwan deserves a bit more time in ODIs.

But Sarfaraz should definitely go to the World Cup for Pakistan over Rizwan. The evidence was there to see in the Australia t20s.

 

[Oneking]

He is not asking for comeback I guess he is enjoying himself, stress and greed of keeping captaincy can effect players mentally emotionally and physically,
I only wish other players will learn from him instead trying to prove the world wrong try to prove yourself wrong first.
Doesn’t matter what anyone says you have to respect him and his attitude, he is not asking for comeback or blaming x Y Z, he is only concentrating on PSL.

 

[Ronaldo7]

Props to him for actually losing some weight

 

[Titan24]

Excellent effort by Sarfaraz on fitness front but unfortunately much later than he should have done.

A lesson for all the players to not take your place in the national team for granted. A lot of players got relaxed post CT17 which shouldnt be happening in a professional environment.

There should be strict policy and accountability regarding the attitude and the efforts players put in to improve when in national team. Sarfaraz showed he could have done it but didnt for two years and went into series and then the world cup with poor fitness and that definitely didnt help Pakistan team.

 

[Mirpur express]

He definitely looks leaner but is it too late? as mentioned above it’s unbelievable that he couldn’t motivate himself to loose that 7kg or so when he was captaining the national team in all formats.. i can see him coming back in T20s only if he opens in the PSL & scores a few hundred runs at a high strike but ideally we need Rohail Nazir to come of age in this edition of PSL & stake a claim , liked what I saw of him in the u19 WC

 

[MenInG]

Sarfaraz speaking to the press:

"I have a lot of trust in Azam as he has been working very hard for the past 3 months"

"I had told him that the game wasnt just about boundaries and good running was also needed in the game"

"He is fit and running well which is good for the side"

"I have no competition with anyone for WT20 - my focus is on PSL"

Re BA decision "The snicko was down so as in international cricket if the 3rd ump cannot make up his mind it goes to the on field umpire which is what happened"

"It looked out to us and we took the chance (of the review) - Babar Azam's wicket was very important so we took the review"

"I think it would be a little too early (to include him for WT20) but the selectors have seen what he can do and now they should take him under their cover and fix any deficiencies he has"

"There is no other player in domestic cricket who can hit shots so hard as Azam"

"The way he bit world class bowlers like Amir and Jordan would have been watched by coaches and selectors and they would think that he can be of use to Pakistan in the future"

"We arent friend on the field (dostee yaaree) - on the field he is playing for his side and I am playing for my side"

"This is what cricket is about - lot other things have happened in cricket before" - all riddles

"Nothing to worry about - these things happen in the heat of the moment - its not like there was some fight or anything like that"

"Crowd was excellent today, and they supported both sides which is good news for our cricket"

"I have been really impressed by the bowling of Naseem today, both Naseem and Hasnain have the ability to be what we used to watch on tv about Wasim and Waqar Bhai"

"If they work with Waqar bhai, then these 3-4 new fast bowlers can really serve Pakistan well in the future"

"I am not saddened by this (Australia 1 in T20, series in progress) as its just a one point difference and its not a huge margin"

"I am convinced that whatever next series we play we will be back to number 1"

 

[RickyG]

Sarfaraz speaking to the press:

"We arent friend on the field (dostee yaaree) - on the field he is playing for his side and I am playing for my side"

"This is what cricket is about - lot other things have happened in cricket before" - all riddles

"Nothing to worry about - these things happen in the heat of the moment - its not like there was some fight or anything like that"

What happened? Was there a fight?

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

He looks like a lot better captain of Quetta now that he has lost some weight and looks fit. Bit of a shame that when they are representing Pakistan, these guys lose all professionalism and are more bothered about building biriyani bellies at fancy restaurants every night of the week.

 

[Kaka4pope]

Plays more like his pre-captain days - always was a busy batsman.

 

[MenInG]

What happened? Was there a fight?

Good question, seems some words spoken at end of the game but could well be related to wahab tampering stuff.

 

[RickyG]

Good question, seems some words spoken at end of the game but could well be related to wahab tampering stuff.

But this presser was after the Karachi game wasn't it? I suppose someone asked him about the Peshawar game incident.

 

[MenInG]

But this presser was after the Karachi game wasn't it? I suppose someone asked him about the Peshawar game incident.

Yes one of the journos asked him about that game.

 

[Saj]

Sarfaraz has looked sharper, fitter and good with the bat and decent behind the stumps.

Sometimes being dropped has the right effect on players as I believe he had become complacent.

 

[Abdullah719]

 

[Savak]

If only he showed this commitment to fitness when captain. It's too late now and it appears that the PCB has decided to look ahead to the future with Rizwan

 

[sweep_shot]

Sarfaraz looks to be in better shape now. He can return to the side if Rizwan flops.