"Is there some Imran Khan or Javed Miandad waiting in the wings to replace Sarfaraz?" : Wasim Akram

[Abdullah719]

"Is there some Imran Khan or Javed Miandad waiting in the wings to replace Sarfaraz?" : Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram in a media talk:

"Tell me the names of who should be Pakistan's captain"

"People have been going on, on social media about removing the captain but who will replace him?"

"Is there some Imran Khan or Javed Miandad waiting in the wings to replace him?"

"I think Sarfaraz is doing a good job, the South Africa tour will be tough"

"We'll get to know on the SA tour how much skill our batsmen have technique wise"

 

[Fahdi]

One of the lamest arguments that gets regurgitated all the time to defend underperforming players. So Sarfraz is so good that only Imran and Javed can replace him?

They used to say the same things to defend the likes Kamran Akmal, Imran Farhat, Muhammad Hafeez etc. This sort of defense suits juniors and youngsters but if it's used to justify the poor performance of a senior player then you know the player is either crap or has been crap in recent times.

Now I understand that Sarfraz needs to be given the SA series at least because jumping the gun could spell disaster for an unsettled side but don't come up with these lame arguments. This is almost as hilarious as Hafeez's insistence that we need Bradman to replace someone like Shafiq and Imam.

 

[MenInG]

One of the lamest arguments that gets regurgitated all the time to defend underperforming players. So Sarfraz is so good that only Imran and Javed can replace him?

They used to say the same things to defend the likes Kamran Akmal, Imran Farhat, Muhammad Hafeez etc. This sort of defense suits juniors and youngsters but if it's used to justify the poor performance of a senior player then you know the player is either crap or has been crap in recent times.

Now I understand that Sarfraz needs to be given the SA series at least because jumping the gun could spell disaster for an unsettled side but don't come up with these lame arguments. This is almost as hilarious as Hafeez's insistence that we need Bradman to replace someone like Shafiq and Imam.

Think about the time involved in announcing a new captain etc - we do not have that luxury as the SA tour started almost immediately.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Dumbest logic ever.

 

[Suleiman]

did someone ask if there was a gilchrist waiting in the wings when Adnan and Kamran were dropping dollies and popping mollies before sarfraz came in?

 

[Fahdi]

Think about the time involved in announcing a new captain etc - we do not have that luxury as the SA tour started almost immediately.

I mentioned the same thing in my last paragraph. Captaincy change should only be looked at after the SA series.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

Sarfaraz is going to win us the test series in SA.

 

[the Great Khan]

One of the lamest arguments that gets regurgitated all the time to defend underperforming players. So Sarfraz is so good that only Imran and Javed can replace him?

That's not what he is saying. Read it again or is comprehension not your strong suit?

They used to say the same things to defend the likes Kamran Akmal, Imran Farhat, Muhammad Hafeez etc. This sort of defense suits juniors and youngsters but if it's used to justify the poor performance of a senior player then you know the player is either crap or has been crap in recent times.

Do not compare any of those with sarfraz. I have lived through all of that era and the disaster that was the Malik cuptaany. It is nothing like the above mentioned fiasco. You guys have no idea what your talking about.

Now I understand that Sarfraz needs to be given the SA series at least because jumping the gun could spell disaster for an unsettled side but don't come up with these lame arguments. This is almost as hilarious as Hafeez's insistence that we need Bradman to replace someone like Shafiq and Imam.

Ok Sherlock who do you want to replace him. Instead of useless counter statements like the ones youve made above I want you to tell us all who your candidate would be and why. Enough of this vague bakwaas. Put your money where your mouth is..

 

[Ami]

Wait till after SA tour...either way its not gonna make any difference...

Let Mourinho take over...

 

[Abid Z]

One of the lamest arguments that gets regurgitated all the time to defend underperforming players. So Sarfraz is so good that only Imran and Javed can replace him?

They used to say the same things to defend the likes Kamran Akmal, Imran Farhat, Muhammad Hafeez etc. This sort of defense suits juniors and youngsters but if it's used to justify the poor performance of a senior player then you know the player is either crap or has been crap in recent times.

Now I understand that Sarfraz needs to be given the SA series at least because jumping the gun could spell disaster for an unsettled side but don't come up with these lame arguments. This is almost as hilarious as Hafeez's insistence that we need Bradman to replace someone like Shafiq and Imam.

I think you are failing to understand what is being quoted. The point is that this particular team, squad, and emerging players are bereft of skills and strategy. It’ll take time to build up the required pool of players to enter the international set up and to remain at international standards. Right now the playing eleven or rather a squad of 15 is the best we’ve got and until one of those 15 emerges as a better captain than Sarfaraz then for the short to medium term we have to give him the chance.

Now of course you can pretend that there are contenders out their that aren’t being given the chance for selection into the squad of 15 but honestly I think back to how ordinary some of our players are that make into the squad after being hyped to hell on this forum and I shudder.

After years in the team set up, Yasir, Abbas, Hasan Ali, babar and Haris are beginning to cement their place. It takes time to have a core of world class, match fit players used to pressure and varying conditions.

For now let the team settle and get through the tough tours.

 

[PakPremi]

Ok Sherlock who do you want to replace him. Instead of useless counter statements like the ones youve made above I want you to tell us all who your candidate would be and why. Enough of this vague bakwaas. Put your money where your mouth is..

Let me guess everyone who is on Sarfraz back would come up with Rizwan's name, little they know he would do far worse job then Sarfraz has done, even if they judge Sarfraz on just the recent batting performance. Funny I do not see threads from Indian Fans despite Pants regular 30 scores, especially when they are accustomed to far better batting wicket keepers like Dravid and Dhoni. We have an upgrade over Akmal and still lots of cries.

 

[the Great Khan]

Let me guess everyone who is on Sarfraz back would come up with Rizwan's name, little they know he would do far worse job then Sarfraz has done, even if they judge Sarfraz on just the recent batting performance. Funny I do not see threads from Indian Fans despite Pants regular 30 scores, especially when they are accustomed to far better batting wicket keepers like Dravid and Dhoni. We have an upgrade over Akmal and still lots of cries.

And as usual [MENTION=133920]Fahdi[/MENTION] has dissappeared. Cmon. You cant just put nonsense out there and then run away?

Who do these fans want as the next captain? and when he fails they'll ask for another then another. Newsflash, this isnt english football where you all start moaning about the manager after a few losses. This isnt your school playground where like minded lemmings all nod in unison when you come up with some weird statements.

Enough!! either present a valid well thought out case or be prepared to be hounded on this forum until you give a proper answer!

 

[lahoriyah1234]

Personally speaking. We dont have any other option than Sarfraz. Media is speaking garbage as always. He has been appointed and he should remain till the next WC. I think his captaincy has been v good even in Nzl series, we were unlucky not to win the series. Had Tail played it smartly especially Hassan Ali in the first test series would have been won. And media would have gone down on shut mode.

Against SA all depends on pak batting if we put 300 on the board consistently we may be able to win 1 test match. Amir and Hassan Ali will be the key to win a Test.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Why do you need Imran Khan or Miandad? The player replacing Sarfaraz has to be better than him. Thats it.

 

[lahoriyah1234]

If i was the selectors i would have appointed Yasir Shah for a short time and appointed Babar Azam as a vice captain. We didnt had any series after SA till next WC.

 

[Stalin]

What a horrible statement!
So you've got to have a Glenn McGrath waiting in the wings to replace Ashok dinda.

 

[CricketDon]

Pakistani players really do know how to murder logic.

 

[Sirris]

To answer Wasim: we don't know and might never if we stick with the same oldies and don't give new fresh faces enough chances on merit.

 

[Hasan123]

Yes you can only be Miandad or Imran Khan to replace a player who doesn't make the team on merit. Don't take thse guys seriously.

 

[MRSN]

One of the most lamest and repeated excuses to defend overweight non performing, non-leadership-material captain. He has nothing to offer other than yelling at young players. Anyone who won't yell at young players in front of million of viewers can be a better replacement. This guy is nothing but a big phony show off.

 

[cricketAXEpert]

Wasim Akram in a media talk:

"Tell me the names of who should be Pakistan's captain"

"People have been going on, on social media about removing the captain but who will replace him?"

"Is there some Imran Khan or Javed Miandad waiting in the wings to replace him?"

"I think Sarfaraz is doing a good job, the South Africa tour will be tough"

"We'll get to know on the SA tour how much skill our batsmen have technique wise"

Frankly speaking there is only Asad Shafiq left. Maybe Captaincy make him more consistent. Because nothing else seems to be working. He plays a big innings and then does nothing for the next 5-7 innings. And most of his Big innings are personal milestones as they strangely fall short of winning the match (most of the time).

 

[Fahdi]

Ok Sherlock who do you want to replace him. Instead of useless counter statements like the ones youve made above I want you to tell us all who your candidate would be and why. Enough of this vague bakwaas. Put your money where your mouth is..

And as usual [MENTION=133920]Fahdi[/MENTION] has dissappeared. Cmon. You cant just put nonsense out there and then run away?

Who do these fans want as the next captain? and when he fails they'll ask for another then another. Newsflash, this isnt english football where you all start moaning about the manager after a few losses. This isnt your school playground where like minded lemmings all nod in unison when you come up with some weird statements.

Enough!! either present a valid well thought out case or be prepared to be hounded on this forum until you give a proper answer!

First of all calm down mate. I don't need to run away, did you see me posting all over this forum during the time?

Ok let me make my stance on this matter very clear. I like Sarfraz the captain, I like Sarfraz the keeper and I have backed and supported him almost since the start of his career. I was one his biggest advocates to be given captaincy. I would like nothing more than Sarfraz to find form with the bat once again. But I will not overlook the fact that Sarfraz has been absolutely terrible with the bat ever since he was given captaincy. Sarfraz is not justifying his place in the playing 11, we have been playing with basically 10 players and a specialist captain/keeper. Not good enough for me. When Sarfraz showed signs of coming back into form with his 94 and 81 against Australia I was happy to see that, many were still wishing for Sarfraz to go but I defended him because he was just coming back into form. 3 Tests against New Zealand in which he goes on to perform poorly once again. I am disappointed and don't have much hope from him but I still want him to play the SA series as captain because this is not the time to be tinkering with the captaincy. But after the SA if Sarfraz continues like this something will have to be done.

Now I know there aren't any strong candidates for captaincy. Fakhar has captaincy experience but he has played just one test match, Azhar Ali has the experience and has found form with the bat but his LOIs captaincy doesn't inspire a lot of experience, Babar has captaincy experience as well but he is just finding his feet tests, the other options like Abbas would be quite the risk. If Sarfraz manages to put up a decent performance in SA then there shouldn't be any questions on his place for a while and he should continue. But if he fails, which is very likely, and if we get whitewashed, which is very likely, We can either drop Sarfraz from the team, take away captaincy or tolerate him for a bit more. What would I do? Personally I'd want him dropped from the team but not sure whether I would want him dropped from the squad. Who should replace him? Well Rizwan should come in as keeper but not as captain. I'd probably give the captaincy one of Azhar, Fakhar and Babar if they manage to perform well in South Africa. If Fakhar puts up a good performance in SA I'd give him the job, he's my first choice in that regard after him Azhar and then Babar. Now if we manage a win and a decent performance in the other two matches (this is the best scenario I can imagine) with Sarfraz managing to be even somewhat decent with the bat I'd keep him as captain as the confidence alone could be important for the team. The real problem is if we fail miserably in SA and all of the 3 in Babar, Azhar and Fakhar also fail badly with the bat, in that scenario I am not sure what would be the best step to take. I'd wan't Sarfraz to be dropped but the others may not be confident enough to take over captaincy, I'd give it to Azhar in that scenario but even if Sarfraz continues on in that scenario I'd understand.

If according to the above scenarios someone else does end up taking over captaincy from Sarfraz he should be given a good run for 13-14 matches (which is about 2 years for Pakistan) just like Sarfraz. If his performance is mediocre I would criticize him just like Sarfraz and would likely want him replaced.


As for my first post I don't appreciate these sort of defenses for senior players. These sort of lines are spouted every time to defend mediocrity. I did not compare Sarfraz with the likes of Kamran and Farhat but I did compare the way Sarfraz is being defended to these guys. Like I mentioned before I like Sarfraz but he has been mediocre for over an year and I will call him out on it.

 

[Mamoon]

The same line of defence can be used for any failing Pakistani captain in order to shield him from criticism. A meaningless statement that deserves to be ignored.

 

[dani594]

Wasim Akram in a media talk:

"Tell me the names of who should be Pakistan's captain"

"People have been going on, on social media about removing the captain but who will replace him?"

"Is there some Imran Khan or Javed Miandad waiting in the wings to replace him?"

"I think Sarfaraz is doing a good job, the South Africa tour will be tough"

"We'll get to know on the SA tour how much skill our batsmen have technique wise"

Babar Azam too political akmal flu
Asad shafique not a match winner
Azhar ali failed

Yasir shah only option

 

[yasir]

There is no comparison between Imran/Javed and Sarfraz. In cricket Captain is playing member of the team. Imran/Javed were best players of their team most (if not all) of the time...

Sarfraz place in the team is questionable, his batting is zero, keeping is average... Why Pakistanis forget Captain is not same as coach

 

[Sunny_majoka]

These seniors know nothing about Pakistan cricket ATM.
Rizwan can do better job and fakhar or Babar can be made as captain

 

[yasir]

Babar Azam too political akmal flu
Asad shafique not a match winner
Azhar ali failed

Yasir shah only option

Yasir Shah has no place in west. Captain is first and foremost somebody whose place in the team is permanent, right now Azhar and Babar are only two, who are permanent selection. Babar is just getting hang of test, it leaves Azhar...

Leadership part is not as big as people are making out to be, when you are paying coach heavily, you cannot have non playing Captain. Sarfraz does not add any special value....

If you look at history, good Captains were first and foremost top talent, tier 1 performers, I cannot remember a Captain who was third tier performer and good Captain. That is simple as that...

Pakistan has caught in to senior mess, pick Captain without looking at his performance. CT was won by Hasan, Fakir and Amir, why Sarfraz get credit?? - What was his role?? - Yelling after every ball

 

[silent ischemia]

Is the PCB grooming any future captain. I mean just look at the PSL. You are making oldies like Hafeez, Malik or retired international players like Sammy, Ronchi captains of the franchises
Why not make guys like Fakhar, Babar, Harris captains

 

[prorish]

Same story with Pakistan for the last 20 years, keep replacing captains every 2 years and nothing improves. First improve your domestic structure and develop the mental side of the game. Everything will fall into place once these issues are fixed. Replacing players, captains, coaching staff, manager, CEO, or even the prime minister isn’t going to change Pakistan cricket.

 

[Blistering Barnacle]

Frankly speaking there is only Asad Shafiq left. Maybe Captaincy make him more consistent. Because nothing else seems to be working. He plays a big innings and then does nothing for the next 5-7 innings. And most of his Big innings are personal milestones as they strangely fall short of winning the match (most of the time).

Wow, what logic yaar!

Let's appoint a poor player as captain, hoping he will become better!

 

[aukhan]

Going by this logic Hafeez, Malik, Shafiq, Amir, Asif Ali or any other player should never be criticized and asked to be dropped for their poor performances as we don't have bradmans and mcgrath waiting in the line to replace them.

 

[ShahidDar08]

That doesn't mean Sarfaraz Ahmad will be given free license to hold his place for unlimited period of time without any contribution.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

All of u dont appreciate an icc trophy smh

 

[Ahsanax]

[MENTION=133920]Fahdi[/MENTION] He never defended Farhat, Infact his statement against him on playing Steyn on backfoot had him dropped!

 

[sshakir411]

Not surprised to see a single name mentioned by the posters on who is a possible replacement for Sarfraz as captain.

People always crying on about “sarfraz is fat” “wasim’s logic is lame” but have no answer to the question that really matters. Out of the current crop of players who should replace Sarfraz as captain?

 

[cricketAXEpert]

Wow, what logic yaar!

Let's appoint a poor player as captain, hoping he will become better!

Was being sarcastic because there is no other option for captaincy. Asad as Captain is a win win situation. Either he will improve because now the whole team depends on him or fail totally and get dropped . At the moment he is un-drop-able because he plays one innings that saves his position, but does nothing for the team. And he is the unofficial vice captain, when Sarfraz was injured and Rizwan was wicket keeping in place. It was Asad Shafiq that was the stand in captain.

 

[Hasan123]

Ok Sherlock who do you want to replace him. Instead of useless counter statements like the ones youve made above I want you to tell us all who your candidate would be and why. Enough of this vague bakwaas. Put your money where your mouth is..

Sarfraz should be Pakistan captain till he is 50. Judging by your logic that's how long it will take to replace him.

 

[kingusama92]

Not surprised to see a single name mentioned by the posters on who is a possible replacement for Sarfraz as captain.

People always crying on about “sarfraz is fat” “wasim’s logic is lame” but have no answer to the question that really matters. Out of the current crop of players who should replace Sarfraz as captain?

In general, the XI should be selected first.

Sarfraz has a deteriorating Test average of 28 in 2018 and is visibly unfit. His running between the wickets is simply embarrassing compared to how he was as a younger player.

Bring in a new keeper (after the SA tour) and then pick your captain from the top 11 players. Sarfraz is not Mike Brearley, where he forces a spot as specialist captain.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Think a few here even suggested Amir as captain. People are that desperate to get rid of Sarfraz

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Think a few here even suggested Amir as captain. People are that desperate to get rid of Sarfraz

I also want to get rid of Sarfraz.

Believe me, I do.

But when the alternatives are Hasan Ali, Amir, Yasir for captaincy it makes me laugh.

Throw in Haris Sohail, Babar Azam or Asad shafiq as captain and you wonder if Sarfraz doesn't trump them all in intelligence even when being dim-witted.

I am open to a new captain, provided the people willing to throw him out are ready to offer a serious replacement with a serious face.

Amir is hilarious and tells you everything you need to know.

 

[happydavy]

This discussion is a useless one considering no way Pakistan, or for that matter any established team, can bring in a new captain 6 months before the world cup. Pakistanis should support Sarafaraz from now on, and reserve their opinion until world cup ends. Why put more pressure on a guy who's already under pressure and who doesn't have the luxury to quit right now.

 

[the Great Khan]

First of all calm down mate. I don't need to run away, did you see me posting all over this forum during the time?

Ok let me make my stance on this matter very clear. I like Sarfraz the captain, I like Sarfraz the keeper and I have backed and supported him almost since the start of his career. I was one his biggest advocates to be given captaincy. I would like nothing more than Sarfraz to find form with the bat once again. But I will not overlook the fact that Sarfraz has been absolutely terrible with the bat ever since he was given captaincy. Sarfraz is not justifying his place in the playing 11, we have been playing with basically 10 players and a specialist captain/keeper. Not good enough for me. When Sarfraz showed signs of coming back into form with his 94 and 81 against Australia I was happy to see that, many were still wishing for Sarfraz to go but I defended him because he was just coming back into form. 3 Tests against New Zealand in which he goes on to perform poorly once again. I am disappointed and don't have much hope from him but I still want him to play the SA series as captain because this is not the time to be tinkering with the captaincy. But after the SA if Sarfraz continues like this something will have to be done.

Now I know there aren't any strong candidates for captaincy. Fakhar has captaincy experience but he has played just one test match, Azhar Ali has the experience and has found form with the bat but his LOIs captaincy doesn't inspire a lot of experience, Babar has captaincy experience as well but he is just finding his feet tests, the other options like Abbas would be quite the risk. If Sarfraz manages to put up a decent performance in SA then there shouldn't be any questions on his place for a while and he should continue. But if he fails, which is very likely, and if we get whitewashed, which is very likely, We can either drop Sarfraz from the team, take away captaincy or tolerate him for a bit more. What would I do? Personally I'd want him dropped from the team but not sure whether I would want him dropped from the squad. Who should replace him? Well Rizwan should come in as keeper but not as captain. I'd probably give the captaincy one of Azhar, Fakhar and Babar if they manage to perform well in South Africa. If Fakhar puts up a good performance in SA I'd give him the job, he's my first choice in that regard after him Azhar and then Babar. Now if we manage a win and a decent performance in the other two matches (this is the best scenario I can imagine) with Sarfraz managing to be even somewhat decent with the bat I'd keep him as captain as the confidence alone could be important for the team. The real problem is if we fail miserably in SA and all of the 3 in Babar, Azhar and Fakhar also fail badly with the bat, in that scenario I am not sure what would be the best step to take. I'd wan't Sarfraz to be dropped but the others may not be confident enough to take over captaincy, I'd give it to Azhar in that scenario but even if Sarfraz continues on in that scenario I'd understand.

If according to the above scenarios someone else does end up taking over captaincy from Sarfraz he should be given a good run for 13-14 matches (which is about 2 years for Pakistan) just like Sarfraz. If his performance is mediocre I would criticize him just like Sarfraz and would likely want him replaced.


As for my first post I don't appreciate these sort of defenses for senior players. These sort of lines are spouted every time to defend mediocrity. I did not compare Sarfraz with the likes of Kamran and Farhat but I did compare the way Sarfraz is being defended to these guys. Like I mentioned before I like Sarfraz but he has been mediocre for over an year and I will call him out on it.

So in essence give it to Fakhar who has no proven cuptaany experience? and when he inevitably fails move on to Babar? and then keep going till you have eleven captains in the team like in the 90's?

Please wake up. At this moment in time there is no candidate and it is stupid to change things while we are rebuilding. No other player will do any better of a job. Our domestic structure has been flattened because of ten years of problems. Fakhar cant even command a full time place in the team.

Azhar was tried and he came up short. You'll be baying for his blood after one match.

Like I said before changing the captain will not make much difference. We should stick with this group of players and give sarfraz more time.

As for Babar as captain..lol..I despair that you even thought of this as a solution..

 

[the Great Khan]

Sarfraz should be Pakistan captain till he is 50. Judging by your logic that's how long it will take to replace him.

By your logic this is the English premier league and you want a new manager every week..Grow up.

If it was upto some ppers there would be a new captain and coach after every test match..

 

[PakPremi]

Everyone keeps winging about Sarfraz average of 28 in this year. It would be interesting if someone can post averages of all full time wicket keepers in 2018. By full time I mean those that keep in test and and ODIs. I guess only the English keepers would be head and shoulders ahead of Sarfraz worse period of batting.

 

[kingusama92]

Everyone keeps winging about Sarfraz average of 28 in this year. It would be interesting if someone can post averages of all full time wicket keepers in 2018. By full time I mean those that keep in test and and ODIs. I guess only the English keepers would be head and shoulders ahead of Sarfraz worse period of batting.

In 2018 (Tests)

Buttler: 51.56
Paine: 37.08
Rahim: 35.00
Watling: 34.33
Dickwella: 27.55
De Kock: 20.41
Hope: 20.23

De Kock is having an off year, otherwise, he's outperformed Sarfraz every year with the bat in all formats. While Sarfraz has only gotten worse with each passing year.

This is also ignoring Sarfraz's fitness, which is the worst of the lot.

 

[topspin]

Think a few here even suggested Amir as captain. People are that desperate to get rid of Sarfraz

If Amir was making the XI on merit and permitted by the ICC, he would be the best appointment because he isn't timid like the rest of the others and probably has the best cricketing brain in the country, however PCB doesn't have the ability to think outside the box and ends up sticking to their default strategy of appointing a 30+ captain in accordance to the seniority culture.

 

[Baigel]

We won't know unless we give them opportunities

 

[Fahdi]

So in essence give it to Fakhar who has no proven cuptaany experience? and when he inevitably fails move on to Babar? and then keep going till you have eleven captains in the team like in the 90's?

Please wake up. At this moment in time there is no candidate and it is stupid to change things while we are rebuilding. No other player will do any better of a job. Our domestic structure has been flattened because of ten years of problems. Fakhar cant even command a full time place in the team.

Azhar was tried and he came up short. You'll be baying for his blood after one match.

Like I said before changing the captain will not make much difference. We should stick with this group of players and give sarfraz more time.

As for Babar as captain..lol..I despair that you even thought of this as a solution..

Firstly Fakhar has captaincy experience, he captained FATA to the final of the Pakistan Cup a couple of years back, he captains his domestic sides all the time. He should get the captaincy only if he manages to put in good performances over the South Africa series. That isn't very likely though since SA is a tough tour especially for openers.

Next choice is Azhar Ali who is most likely since Fakhar probably won't do too well in a tough away tour like SA. Azhar was tried in LOIs not tests. The man was out of place in LOIs as a player alone. He may not be a great captain but he can do an adequate job. And I'd give any new captain 13-14 matches like Sarfraz.

Third choice is Babar. The least likely person for the job but if he manages good performances in South Africa he'll be the cornerstone of our batting line up with some captaincy experience at U19 level.

I made it very clear that if Sarfraz manages decent performances he should continue. He should also continue if we manage to win even one match. He should also continue if the above 3 fail badly as then no one will have the confidence to take over captaincy. There are 3 scenarios for Sarfraz to continue as captain and in two of them Sarfraz doesn't even have to do much with bat, strictly speaking.

Despite what you may think I'm not enthusiastic to change captains but if Sarfraz can't save himself despite all the leeway I gave him he doesn't deserve to be in the team leaving no other choice. By the end of the SA series Sarfraz will have been captain for 13-14 tests over nearly 2 years. More than enough time to gauge him. And he isn't exactly young and fit either so he likely won't be getting any better.

 

[Usman Chadda]

I also want to get rid of Sarfraz.

Believe me, I do.

But when the alternatives are Hasan Ali, Amir, Yasir for captaincy it makes me laugh.

Throw in Haris Sohail, Babar Azam or Asad shafiq as captain and you wonder if Sarfraz doesn't trump them all in intelligence even when being dim-witted.

I am open to a new captain, provided the people willing to throw him out are ready to offer a serious replacement with a serious face.

Amir is hilarious and tells you everything you need to know.

That is the crux of the problem. I myself am not too keen on Sarfraz anymore as a Test captain, and even as an ODI captain right now. Given the fact that we just do not have the confidence in his abilities as a batsman anymore. It's sad to think that we have a captain who is not trusted at all to perform consistently.

However, the alternatives are so laughably bad, that it's far-fetched to even suggest such a thing. We have a few potentially fantastic players, but no leaders as such.

 

[PakPremi]

In 2018 (Tests)

Buttler: 51.56
Paine: 37.08
Rahim: 35.00
Watling: 34.33
Dickwella: 27.55
De Kock: 20.41
Hope: 20.23

De Kock is having an off year, otherwise, he's outperformed Sarfraz every year with the bat in all formats. While Sarfraz has only gotten worse with each passing year.

This is also ignoring Sarfraz's fitness, which is the worst of the lot.

Most of these do not keep wicket regularly in both format. Only Butler as I predicted has an average that is head and shoulders ahead of Sarfraz even in Sarfraz worst year. As far as fitness is considered did he not perform really well in fitness test, and I do not recall his stomach getting in his way when keeping. It is obvious he will be running less quick singles compare to when he was younger. So as I suspected much a do about nothing. Only debate should be that he needs to quit captaincy of one format preferably tests.

 

[Shandarchowka]

No wonder we're stuck in the 90s mentality. We need to look into the future, instead we dig past and bury ourselves there

 

[sshakir411]

In general, the XI should be selected first.

Sarfraz has a deteriorating Test average of 28 in 2018 and is visibly unfit. His running between the wickets is simply embarrassing compared to how he was as a younger player.

Bring in a new keeper (after the SA tour) and then pick your captain from the top 11 players. Sarfraz is not Mike Brearley, where he forces a spot as specialist captain.

So you too don’t have a name of the replacement. Your theory is correct in a perfect world but not in the world of Pakistan Cricket.

We’ve already seen the difference Sarfraz made when he took over from Azhar. I am in no way saying Sarfraz is the next Imran Khan and I’ll even go as far as saying that he’s been absolute rubbish.

What Sarfraz needs is competition in the form of a capable vice captain and possibly Rizwan in the 11 to get him to feel worried about his spot.

Whoever the next Imran Khan is should take over after the World Cup. That’s the only sane thing to do.

 

[Haroon786]

Yasir Shah has no place in west. Captain is first and foremost somebody whose place in the team is permanent, right now Azhar and Babar are only two, who are permanent selection. Babar is just getting hang of test, it leaves Azhar...

Leadership part is not as big as people are making out to be, when you are paying coach heavily, you cannot have non playing Captain. Sarfraz does not add any special value....

If you look at history, good Captains were first and foremost top talent, tier 1 performers, I cannot remember a Captain who was third tier performer and good Captain. That is simple as that...

Pakistan has caught in to senior mess, pick Captain without looking at his performance. CT was won by Hasan, Fakir and Amir, why Sarfraz get credit?? - What was his role?? - Yelling after every ball

Mike Brearley.

 

[kingusama92]

Most of these do not keep wicket regularly in both format. Only Butler as I predicted has an average that is head and shoulders ahead of Sarfraz even in Sarfraz worst year. As far as fitness is considered did he not perform really well in fitness test, and I do not recall his stomach getting in his way when keeping. It is obvious he will be running less quick singles compare to when he was younger. So as I suspected much a do about nothing. Only debate should be that he needs to quit captaincy of one format preferably tests.

Being a full-time keeper and performing poorly isn't advantageous. It's a sign he needs to be removed from Tests and kept in ODIs/T20Is.

His fitness is appalling and is starting to show in his keeping too. He's missed multiple catches/stumpings in the past series including simply not diving for some. His running between the wickets is horrible as he constantly turns twos into singles.

Passing a fitness test means very little when it doesn't show on the field.

 

[kingusama92]

So you too don’t have a name of the replacement. Your theory is correct in a perfect world but not in the world of Pakistan Cricket.

We’ve already seen the difference Sarfraz made when he took over from Azhar. I am in no way saying Sarfraz is the next Imran Khan and I’ll even go as far as saying that he’s been absolute shi*.

What Sarfraz needs is competition in the form of a capable vice captain and possibly Rizwan in the 11 to get him to feel worried about his spot.

Whoever the next Imran Khan is should take over after the World Cup. That’s the only sane thing to do.

I agree at the bare minimum they need competition, but it's also about the culture of your team.

He's not good enough for Test cricket and sets a horrible standard. If that's your captain, the team is going to fold every single time.

Sarfraz should be left for ODIs and T20Is since he's shown an ability to win big tournaments. That's something you can sacrifice for. No replacement will have the experience to stomach pressure situations in a World Cup setting.

But he doesn't have the same quality in Test cricket.

 

[The Viper]

The captain needs to make the team on merit. Sarfraz could be gone after this tour. Don’t think Rizwan can perform worse than him.

 

[Hasan123]

By your logic this is the English premier league and you want a new manager every week..Grow up.

If it was upto some ppers there would be a new captain and coach after every test match..

I just want a captain who makes the team on merit and does his job with bat or ball.

How will anything change when sticking with the same thing ? He has 2 years and things haven't drastically changed .

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

In 2018 (Tests)

Buttler: 51.56
Paine: 37.08
Rahim: 35.00
Watling: 34.33
Dickwella: 27.55
De Kock: 20.41
Hope: 20.23

De Kock is having an off year, otherwise, he's outperformed Sarfraz every year with the bat in all formats. While Sarfraz has only gotten worse with each passing year.

This is also ignoring Sarfraz's fitness, which is the worst of the lot.

Butler doesn't keep in tests for England. Before it was Bairsrtow and now it's Foakes. In 2018, Bairstow was the keeper against India and Pakistan while Woakes was the keeper against SL.

On topic: Sarfraz should be sacked as test captain if we lose the SA series.1st test against NZ was lost mainly due to Sarfraz's madness where he just had to bat with a straight bat for 5 more balls or so. That madness eventually lost us the series..

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Btw keeping wise Sarfraz was probably the best in 2018 along with Wattling. Foakes was special too but he has just kept wickets for a single series so can't compare..

Anyways still Sarfraz should be sacked as captain if we lose against SA.

 

[Usman Chadda]

I just want a captain who makes the team on merit and does his job with bat or ball.

How will anything change when sticking with the same thing ? He has 2 years and things haven't drastically changed .

Who?

Tumhare mauhallay ke jamaadaar ko captain bana dein toh khush ho jaaoge, as long as it's not Sarfraz?

 

[the Great Khan]

I just want a captain who makes the team on merit and does his job with bat or ball.

How will anything change when sticking with the same thing ? He has 2 years and things haven't drastically changed .

there is nobody and he is a good captain. In this life you have to sometimes make do with what we get. He has not really captained many tests series and should be given a reasonable time period. We can groom someone to take over eventually but not yet..

 

[Hasan123]

Who?

Tumhare mauhallay ke jamaadaar ko captain bana dein toh khush ho jaaoge, as long as it's not Sarfraz?

Yasir Shah seems like the only candidate for tests.

Once Babar has established himself in tests I wouldn't mind seeing him be made captain.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Yasir Shah seems like the only candidate for tests.

Once Babar has established himself in tests I wouldn't mind seeing him be made captain.

Yasir has enough on his plate at the moment. Him and Abbas are carrying Pakistan's bowling in Tests. Why would you want to burden him further?

Babar is a decent choice, but not right now. Only established candidate at this point of time is Azhar, and I would much rather than Sarfraz as captain.

 

[Hasan123]

Yasir has enough on his plate at the moment. Him and Abbas are carrying Pakistan's bowling in Tests. Why would you want to burden him further?

Babar is a decent choice, but not right now. Only established candidate at this point of time is Azhar, and I would much rather than Sarfraz as captain.

Whatever response I will say their will be a reason not to appoint them.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Whatever response I will say their will be a reason not to appoint them.

That's because you are more interested in getting rid of Sarfraz, than who the captain is subsequently

 

[Mamoon]

That's because you are more interested in getting rid of Sarfraz, than who the captain is subsequently

All of this is true, but you have to establish a precedence as well. When a team is losing and the captain is performing poorly at an individual capacity, there has to be a cut-off point. You cannot tolerate a non-performing captain in a losing team forever, simply because you do not have clear alternatives in sight.

Pakistan literally loses nothing if it sacks Sarfraz as captain today and drops him from the team. We have already reached unchartered levels of mediocrity and lose 90% of our Tests and ODIs against quality teams. This drama of being the best T20I team will blow up as well, and even if is remotely true, Sarfraz is hardly the biggest contributing factor.

I see that his fans nowadays are now using his decent keeping form to take the focus away from his awful batting. Yes it is good to see him improve with the gloves, but batting is an essential component for WK batsmen today and especially when you have a third class batting unit like ours. Moreover, Sarfraz established himself in the team because of his purple patch with the bat, and there is no justification for his poor performances since taking over as captain.

We are a rapidly declining cricket nation and will never be a top team again. As a result, if we keeping asking for "better" alternatives for leadership, we will never been able to find a solution for another 10 years. However, you have to create a winning culture anyway, and you start by ensuring that your captain knows that he has to perform at an individual capacity and be among the best players in the team if he is to enjoy the privilege of being the leader.

If you sack Sarfraz on clear grounds, i.e. because he is not scoring enough runs and the team is losing as well, there is a semblance of hope that the next captain - whoever that is - will be under pressure to perform as a player. Throughout his tenure as captain, Sarfraz has been under no pressure at all to score runs.

Barring the second Test against Australia, he has been a walking wicket for over a year but you would hardly see him comment on his barren run. In fact, even Arthur and our ex-players and experts have hardly sad anything on the fact that he has not been performing. The media has been quiet as well.

Unless Sarfraz starts to score runs, sacking him should be priority number one. Who will be the captain after him to lead this pathetic team to more defeats against the top teams is something that needs to be dealt after. Anyone who is performing individually will be an upgrade.

 

[octavian]

That is a shockingly lame statement from such a great player.

Sarfraz has been dreadful since the CT win and we simply cannot wait for Imran Khans and Miandads to appear before Sarfraz is removed.

The process works like this. If a player is consistently not performing in the the national side you look to replaces him with someone in the domestic structure who is consistently performing.

Sarfraz has been consistenly failing and Rizwan has been scoring century after century wherever plays. To put things in perspective, Imam has failed far less than Sarfraz has.

You have to pick the team BEFORE you pick the captain. Non-playing captain never works.

 

[The Viper]

Butler doesn't keep in tests for England. Before it was Bairsrtow and now it's Foakes. In 2018, Bairstow was the keeper against India and Pakistan while Woakes was the keeper against SL.

On topic: Sarfraz should be sacked as test captain if we lose the SA series.1st test against NZ was lost mainly due to Sarfraz's madness where he just had to bat with a straight bat for 5 more balls or so. That madness eventually lost us the series..

Standards have changed. Keeping is not enough anymore and they need to contribute with the bat.

 

[Savak]

Frankly speaking there is only Asad Shafiq left. Maybe Captaincy make him more consistent. Because nothing else seems to be working. He plays a big innings and then does nothing for the next 5-7 innings. And most of his Big innings are personal milestones as they strangely fall short of winning the match (most of the time).

Asad Shafiq whenever I see him as captain in domestic cricket or even in brief moments in charge on the field looks like a different individual when he is captain. He appears to come out of his shell and with more energy unlike Azhar Ali.

Maybe the decision might be master stroke

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan’s former Test captain and the president of Karachi Kings Wasim Akram said that the time has gone to change the captain as the cricket World Cup 2019 is around the corner.

Akram, while briefing to the media in Karachi said that a few bad performances cannot decide someone’s future and Sarfraz has led the team well.

“We need a long term captain and Shoaib Malik will get retired after the World Cup,” said Akram who praised Malik’s captaincy in the fourth ODI which Pakistan clinched by eight wickets.

The former pacer said that no one knows that the PCB wants Sarfraz to go back home or he himself decided to return from South Africa. “Maybe Sarfraz has decided to come back and take a rest,” Akram said.

It is pertinent to mention here that the ICC ban Pakistan’s skipper for four international matches after being caught on stumps mic passing racist comments to Andile Phulekwayo during their second ODI at Durban.

The left-arm pacer asked the team management to start preparing the squad for the upcoming World Cup to give stiff competition there.

“The team management must be keen towards finalising the squad for World Cup and start working with the players,” said Akram who thinks that the team comprised of young kids have the potential to give tough time to the opponents in the WC.

To a query about Mickey’s behavior in the dressing room, Akram said that the dressing room’s environment must not be discussed publicly.

“If Mickey is scolding the players so it is for their betterment and what else a coach can do if his players are not delivering,” he said.

https://arysports.tv/we-need-captain-long-term-wasim-akram-supports-sarfraz/

 

[Hasan123]

You don’t need to be Imran Khan or Javed Miandad to replace Sarfaraz.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Lol Malik might be reconsidering his retirement with all this captaincy chatter. We all know how partial Pakistani players are to taking back retirements.

 

[CricketDon]

It’s shocking how stupid our former players are...

 

[Sultan Baba]

Somebody ask Wasim Akram
Sarfraz Ahmed is like Imran Khan or Javid Miandad?

 

[Sultan Baba]

Every player in the Pakistan squad is 100% better then Sarfraz......

 

[ali2220]

It’s shocking how stupid our former players are...

not stupid, rather they are biased

 

[xricket]

Malik can steer the ship till 2021. Make someone young a vice captain, who has bit of cricketing sense, not the one who is performing well. Captain needs to have good mentality. Michael Vaughan proved in 2005 ashes that an intelligent captain makes tremendous difference

 

[Oneking]

Malik can steer the ship till 2021. Make someone young a vice captain, who has bit of cricketing sense, not the one who is performing well. Captain needs to have good mentality. Michael Vaughan proved in 2005 ashes that an intelligent captain makes tremendous difference

Yup gg Malik= next Misbah,
After that Hafeez turn
Then Sarfraz will be reborn
Realize it or not Malik is poison for this team

 

[xricket]

Yup gg Malik= next Misbah,
After that Hafeez turn
Then Sarfraz will be reborn
Realize it or not Malik is poison for this team

That's your opinion, mate. And you have every right to have that.

 

[SARJ_BD]

Wasim Akram talked about Test NOT ODI.
Thus Malik and Hafeez are out of the equation.

I think people want Sarfraz to be removed as captain because of his BATTING performance not due his captaincy. To be honest, the way Sarfraz bats, he do not deserve to be on the squad.