Reports: Sarfaraz Ahmed wasn’t willing to play third T20I against England

[Abdullah719]

According to reports on news channels, Sarfaraz didn’t want to play the last match of the tour after being benched for the whole series. Younis Khan with the help of Misbah and Babar convinced him to play.

Misbah at the presser yesterday said that Sarfaraz is still a part of the team’s plans going forward and one match will not result in any change to his standing in the team where he is a backup to Rizwan.

 

[Usman Chadda]

Drop him from the team effective immediately. International cricket is not the place for such childish tantrums.

 

[MenInG]

Drop him from the team effective immediately. International cricket is not the place for such childish tantrums.

This is assuming the news report is correct.

 

[Usman Chadda]

This is assuming the news report is correct.

Ofcourse

 

[topspin]

I wouldn't be surprised if this turns out to be true because he's a soft guy. Needs to be dealt with by the PCB, assuming this isn't a fake story.

 

[BreadPakoda]

This is surprising. Sarfaraz comes across as a low ego guy. He looked ok carrying drinks after getting removed as the captain.

 

[MenInG]

I wouldn't be surprised if this turns out to be true because he's a soft guy. Needs to be dealt with by the PCB, assuming this isn't a fake story.

Also - was he unhappy that Rizwan was being dropped for no apparent reason?

 

[Kroll]

After all that yawning, clearly he still felt too knackered to play.

 

[Usman Chadda]

This is surprising. Sarfaraz comes across as a low ego guy. He looked ok carrying drinks after getting removed as the captain.

Apparently he was concerned that his career will be over, if he doesn't perform in his only match on tour. Pretty much sums up his frame of mind.

 

[Slim]

Takes a free ride throughout the tour, doesnt wants to play when asked. Legend.

 

[Savak]

The decision to play him almost cost us the match. He has nothing more to offer to Pakistan Cricket

 

[sweep_shot]

If he was trying to cause a drama for being benched, that's not good.

Cricket is a team game. Unity is important.

 

[Hasan123]

Who the hell is the guy to refuse to play? He is lucky he was even in the squad.

 

[El Generico]

So now the guy is being attacked based on an anonymous report which is likely fake. Why would he give up a chance to cement his place in the team?

Like him or not but Sarfaraz doesn't seem like the guy to pull something like this.

 

[hb787]

Lol could have been better for us. Rizwan wouldn’t have missed that Moeen Ali’s stumping which led to Eng almost to a win

 

[MRSN]

Sarfraz is being given royal treatment which he does not deserve. This is because PCB are afraid of gutter journalism and certain mafia. Sarfraz Ahmed acted like an angry kid because he knows he will have Misbah on his knees to play him.

There is a strong reason why I label Sarfraz as a classles guy because
He thinks he is some legend
He was yelling at juniors throughout his captaincy period acting like a spoiled dictator
his classeless comments on SA player and lastly his backing by mafia journalists which he takes as a pride by going into their shows and giving them all the air time.

 

[MRSN]

So now the guy is being attacked based on an anonymous report which is likely fake. Why would he give up a chance to cement his place in the team?

Like him or not but Sarfaraz doesn't seem like the guy to pull something like this.

These kinds of reports are always anonymous because I don't think some cricketer from current team is going to come on national TV and say this happens behind the scenes. It reminds me of Umar Akmal refusing to play because his brother was dropped.

 

[MRSN]

If he was trying to cause a drama for being benched, that's not good.

Cricket is a team game. Unity is important.

It's tough to accept you are no longer good and someone better than you has replaced you. Seeing at the kind of tour Rizwan had Sarfraz had read the writing on the wall.

 

[MRSN]

This is surprising. Sarfaraz comes across as a low ego guy. He looked ok carrying drinks after getting removed as the captain.

low ego lol did you check his frowns and yelling during his captaincy? He comes across as a very angry and stubborn person by nature and looking at his laziness as a person you can assume Rizwan's good patch is affecting him mentally. It was also visible from his miss stumping of Moeen.

 

[Titan24]

Pakistan cricket really needs to get out of these emotional and seniority tantrums. Impacted Pakistan cricket big time around 2009-10 and onwards as well.

Players gathering in a place to discuss how to dethrone the captain at that time based upon beliefs or something, brother not wanting to play a test because his other brother wasnt selected, captain leaving his job and taking the plane back home midway through the series before 2010 match fixing saga happened etc. and now a wicket keeper batsman as per reports having issues that he was senior and ex captain but, a better wicket keeper batsman was played over him.

Some such things happen in other teams as well but so many things in one decade or so is bit too much. Pakistan cricket cant afford these superficial norms of emotional outbursts, seniority etc. They are professional players and should be played based upon performances like other teams do.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

Also - was he unhappy that Rizwan was being dropped for no apparent reason?

Probably, didnt want to create more unnecessary media drama, as you can see the results above lmao

 

[Varun]

How come this stuff gets leaked only in Pakistan?

It has happened over a number of years so it's not like the mole is a single person either.

 

[zain7077]

Insecure bloke

 

[El Generico]

These kinds of reports are always anonymous because I don't think some cricketer from current team is going to come on national TV and say this happens behind the scenes. It reminds me of Umar Akmal refusing to play because his brother was dropped.

With Umer Akmal the reports were believable considering how he has acted even in public. I mean just recently he had a run in with a trainer where he allegedly took his clothes off. Akmal also has had public run-ins with the coaches as well as the police. Not really fair to compare Sarfaraz to him.

Sarfaraz sometimes went overboard as captain but to me he doesn't seem like a petty person who would refuse to play and he has no history of doing that. I mean it wouldn't even make sense, why would he give up a chance to make a claim for the T20 spot?.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

The report seems true since Misbah did not deny it and instead offered a rebuke that doesn't seem all that believable.

Honestly its better to just get rid of Sarfraz. He's 33 and unlikely to get any better with the gloves. Also, Rizwan is just so much better than him with both the bat and the gloves and I just don't see how you can drop Rizwan from ODIs or Tests. In T20Is keeping isn't as important perhaps and Haider Ali or some other young player could be given a chance with the gloves, because Sarfraz doesn't factor in, in that format either. Like Rizwan he doesn't have hitting ability and coming in at 5 or 6, strike rotation isn't what's required these days for any more than 2 or 3 overs.

Difference is Rizwan is younger and can still develop that capability with PSL. Whereas the ship seems to have sailed for Sarfraz. And don't even get me started on Sarfraz's incessant chatter behind the stumps which I will be more than happy to never hear again.

 

[topspin]

Also - was he unhappy that Rizwan was being dropped for no apparent reason?

I wouldn't classify it under the "dropped" category because international sides use bilateral T20Is to experiment with their combinations. I doubt Rizwan would have kicked up a fuss about it because from my knowledge he's always conducted himself in an exemplary manner.

If the story is true, I find it hard to believe he was unhappy about Rizwan's exclusion because during Sarfraz's captaincy days, he was known to be quite insecure with Rizwan (as reserve wicket-keeper) to be in the same squad as him because deep down he knew he was the inferior wicket-keeper, with bat and gloves.

 

[Ashmal]

It seems a fake report.
Sarfaraz is one of the nice guys in Pakistan cricket, the way he took his sacking as captain was refreshing to see.
He did yell at players during his captaincy but that was his way of asserting his authority, which may not be to everyone's liking. But off the field he was friendly with everyone.

 

[topspin]

How come this stuff gets leaked only in Pakistan?

It has happened over a number of years so it's not like the mole is a single person either.

Pakistan cricket team and PCB lag other sides when it comes to professionalism.

 

[Abdullah719]

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[Corridor of Uncertainty]

Not a fan of threads starting with Reports:

 

[Saj]

I hope the report isn't correct.

If it is, it raises serious question marks over Sarfaraz's international future.

 

[Shazzam]

In T20Is keeping isn't as important perhaps and Haider Ali.

Not really Wicketkeeping in twenty20s is very important. Any drop catch or missed stumping can lose you the game. So you can’t give it just to anybody. We need a good wicketkeeper that can hit a few.

 

[Snowflake]

It is a disease that is widespread in our team. The sense of entitlement is so strong with our lot that these kind of news don't surprise me anymore.

These guys think that they own the team.

 

[Major]

Nothing wrong.

Such things happen. Sarfraz ahmed from his perspective wasnt wrong.

Also media personals like to exaggerate. What probably happened here was sarfraz ahmed didnt want to play fearing that this match could lead to his dismissal altogether if he doesnt perform. And obviously in such a situation you need the team managment to back you.

Guy was captain, had respect of everyone. won you an icc trophy. All of a sudden he not only finds himself as a waterboy but also getting critisized for yawning.

See, there was alot more in that tweet of sarfraz.

Sarfraz ahmed has contributed to pak cricket alot and has on times not been treated fairly. However, he would need to accept the position of 2nd keeper foe time being.

Rizwan is performing ajd cant be dropped. Sarfraz has his own form to blame.

Team managment has announced he will be second keeper and thats good because that rarely gets announced

 

[Major]

Pakistan cricket really needs to get out of these emotional and seniority tantrums. Impacted Pakistan cricket big time around 2009-10 and onwards as well.

Players gathering in a place to discuss how to dethrone the captain at that time based upon beliefs or something, brother not wanting to play a test because his other brother wasnt selected, captain leaving his job and taking the plane back home midway through the series before 2010 match fixing saga happened etc. and now a wicket keeper batsman as per reports having issues that he was senior and ex captain but, a better wicket keeper batsman was played over him.

Some such things happen in other teams as well but so many things in one decade or so is bit too much. Pakistan cricket cant afford these superficial norms of emotional outbursts, seniority etc. They are professional players and should be played based upon performances like other teams do.

??

Bro, in football this is very usual what safraz is going through.

When pkayers dont get play time like they did once they start having self doubts and try to get the attention of the team managment that they are not happy

 

[MMHS]

If it's true than he must be disciplined for the act - demerit points and financial penalty. Just dropping from squad isn't enough because as it reads, he won't mind being dropped from squad unless he is in playing XI. There is a strong sense of entitlement, which needs to be nipped in the bud, otherwise this is attitude is infectious.

Though, I am not sure about what exactly took place there - Sarfraz was a very humble, honest trier who lost his path for being complacent as unanimous Captain. But, didn't feel that he is a snob.

 

[Major]

If it's true than he must be disciplined for the act - demerit points and financial penalty. Just dropping from squad isn't enough because as it reads, he won't mind being dropped from squad unless he is in playing XI. There is a strong sense of entitlement, which needs to be nipped in the bud, otherwise this is attitude is infectious.

Though, I am not sure about what exactly took place there - Sarfraz was a very humble, honest trier who lost his path for being complacent as unanimous Captain. But, didn't feel that he is a snob.

Yeh a guy who is already feeling very down you end up throwing fines at him.

Not the right way to approach

 

[BChaudhry02]

Under the assumption that these news reports are true, someone please help me understand this man's sense on entitlement. Honestly, he was in charge of the team for YEARS, and naturally took part in dropping a few players himself. But when it's his turn, he cries foul?

Let's be honest, apart from his captaincy, Sarfaraz does not warrant a place in any format. His keeping is leagues behind Rizwan's to warrant a place in the Test/ODI squads. In T20Is, he is literally a bottleneck since he cannot score boundaries, and is too nonathletic to run between the wickets. And don't get me started on that Moeen Ali stumping...

Like others have mentioned, I honestly do not understand the sense of entitlement that's so widespread in this team. All of these players love to post tweets and instagrams about how it's their honor "to proudly represent Pakistan" but when the time comes, they do anything but that. Entitlement and hypocrisy, what else is new for this bunch. Like generations of fixers and hacks before them, these guys forget that it's a privilege to play for the national team, not a right. That's honestly why I LOL every time I hear one of these guys talk about their love for playing for Pakistan - it's all a charade.

Sincerely,
Disappointed

PS, If experts around the world have said that Rizwan was the best technically gifted Keeper to come to England in the last 15 years, what on Earth would make Sarfaraz think he deserves to play instead of him? His Batting? LOL/SMH.

 

[Rana]

Unlike Sarfaraz. I don’t believe this report is real

 

[Snowflake]

Nothing wrong.

Such things happen. Sarfraz ahmed from his perspective wasnt wrong.

Also media personals like to exaggerate. What probably happened here was sarfraz ahmed didnt want to play fearing that this match could lead to his dismissal altogether if he doesnt perform. And obviously in such a situation you need the team managment to back you.

Guy was captain, had respect of everyone. won you an icc trophy. All of a sudden he not only finds himself as a waterboy but also getting critisized for yawning.

See, there was alot more in that tweet of sarfraz.

Sarfraz ahmed has contributed to pak cricket alot and has on times not been treated fairly. However, he would need to accept the position of 2nd keeper foe time being.

Rizwan is performing ajd cant be dropped. Sarfraz has his own form to blame.

Team managment has announced he will be second keeper and thats good because that rarely gets announced

No point in reading your post beyond this point if you justified a contracted player refusing to play for the team.

 

[Energy]

Can't be true.

In any case, playing him for third T20 was a weird decision. Almost borderline psychologically stupid. Sarfaraz should have played all three games to give a message if he's in plans for LOIs going forward.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Not really Wicketkeeping in twenty20s is very important. Any drop catch or missed stumping can lose you the game. So you can’t give it just to anybody. We need a good wicketkeeper that can hit a few.

It isn't nearly as important as it is in Tests and ODIs. A dropped catch can still allow you to get away with a win as chances come much more regularly because of the fast-paced, risk-heavy nature of the format.

 

[Titan24]

??

Bro, in football this is very usual what safraz is going through.

When pkayers dont get play time like they did once they start having self doubts and try to get the attention of the team managment that they are not happy

Bro I wouodnt have had any issues if he would have tried to get attention by doing well in the nets but, as per reports he didnt want to play last match when management wanted him to play and he was completely fit which was completely wrong. Thats not the right way to get attention.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Nothing wrong.

Such things happen. Sarfraz ahmed from his perspective wasnt wrong.

Also media personals like to exaggerate. What probably happened here was sarfraz ahmed didnt want to play fearing that this match could lead to his dismissal altogether if he doesnt perform. And obviously in such a situation you need the team managment to back you.

Guy was captain, had respect of everyone. won you an icc trophy. All of a sudden he not only finds himself as a waterboy but also getting critisized for yawning.

See, there was alot more in that tweet of sarfraz.

Sarfraz ahmed has contributed to pak cricket alot and has on times not been treated fairly. However, he would need to accept the position of 2nd keeper foe time being.

Rizwan is performing ajd cant be dropped. Sarfraz has his own form to blame.

Team managment has announced he will be second keeper and thats good because that rarely gets announced

If you are willing to say that Sarfraz won us the Champions Trophy then I think you should also be willing to accept his responsibility in everything that has gone wrong for Pakistan cricket in the last 3-4 years.

Under his captaincy Pakistan reached new lows in Test cricket with home series losses to Sri Lanka and New Zealand, losses for which his questionable tactics had a significant role to play. His win-loss record in ODIs is terrible. We have lost so many matches and series. We got humiliated in the Asia Cup. We couldn't make the WC SFs. All while his own form dwindled to such a point that he would be hiding in the batting order.

Only in Pakistan do players expect such entitlement even when they have no reason to be in the team in the first place.

There's an old military maxim that I feel should be plastered on the walls on GSL, NCA and wherever the selectors get together to decide the squads. Its called: Never reinforce failure. If only PCB and its many selectors over the years understood this simple fact of life. Things might or could have been different today.

 

[Saj]

One hopes that the reality and whatever happened and was discussed is mentioned in the end of tour report which ends up on the desks of the PCB Chairman and Chief Exec.

 

[Bewal Express]

Neither Rizwan or Safaraz are suited to T20 cricket. Both a good players but don't have the hitting power needed to be a top T20 Wk/Bat. Zeeshan Ashraf has something but will he ever get the opportunity.

 

[MenInG]

Ok as per media reports (and not in PCB Youtube recording!):

Misbah said that Sarfaraz had not refused to play but only “expressed his reservations”, which he said was something “I would also have done if I were in his position.”

The head coach further said that "any player can have concerns when given the final match of a tour and that’s what Sarfaraz also had.”

“He had pressure that if things don’t go his way then he could be in trouble"

 

[Snowflake]

Ok as per media reports (and not in PCB Youtube recording!):

Misbah said that Sarfaraz had not refused to play but only “expressed his reservations”, which he said was something “I would also have done if I were in his position.”

The head coach further said that "any player can have concerns when given the final match of a tour and that’s what Sarfaraz also had.”

“He had pressure that if things don’t go his way then he could be in trouble"

Goes on to show how much belief our players have in their own capabilities!

Instead of grabbing the chance with both hands to prove that you can still be valuable to the team, Sarfraz is afraid of failure and it's consequences. Pathetic!

 

[Executioner]

Why are players not willing to take advantage of oppurtunities provided to them?

 

[adzzy786]

Doesn’t make sense. If you are benched for the whole series you’d grab the first chance you get to play.

Secondly if anyone watched the game Sargent was full of energy and positive in the match, no one who didn’t want to play the match would have been that loud

 

[Rajdeep]

Why are players not willing to take advantage of oppurtunities provided to them?

Oppurtunity - as in singular in Sarfraz's case and that too in the last match of the series. He was concerned if things dont go his way, he will be dropped permanently.

 

[hb787]

Ok as per media reports (and not in PCB Youtube recording!):

Misbah said that Sarfaraz had not refused to play but only “expressed his reservations”, which he said was something “I would also have done if I were in his position.”

The head coach further said that "any player can have concerns when given the final match of a tour and that’s what Sarfaraz also had.”

“He had pressure that if things don’t go his way then he could be in trouble"

Oh my goodness. For how long are we going to endure this deplorable attitude ?

You were benched anyways. Instead of proving critics wrong he thought it’d better to sit out.
We could have easliy lost this match thanks to him with his missed stumping.

 

[hb787]

Oppurtunity - as in singular in Sarfraz's case and that too in the last match of the series. He was concerned if things dont go his way, he will be dropped permanently.

And? Should have grabbed the opportunity and performed better then.

 

[hitthestump]

Ok as per media reports (and not in PCB Youtube recording!):

Misbah said that Sarfaraz had not refused to play but only “expressed his reservations”, which he said was something “I would also have done if I were in his position.”

The head coach further said that "any player can have concerns when given the final match of a tour and that’s what Sarfaraz also had.”

“He had pressure that if things don’t go his way then he could be in trouble"

Indeed and it showed. Plenty of fans were unforgiving about that missed stumping which is a fairly harsh reaction against a guy that short of match practice.

That's South Asian fan bases for you though. No common sense, just anger at any opportunity.

 

[ManFan]

Indeed and it showed. Plenty of fans were unforgiving about that missed stumping which is a fairly harsh reaction against a guy that short of match practice.

That's South Asian fan bases for you though. No common sense, just anger at any opportunity.

Did u see the stumping fail? Did u watch Rizwan’s keeping all tour long?

Sarfraz has done jack since he was rightfully dropped for years of poor performance as captain.

This is a guy who says he can’t give up biryani as the captain of Pakistan. It was embarrassing seeing his pouch while the likes of VK were smashing us and had not an ounce of fat.

 

[Executioner]

Oppurtunity - as in singular in Sarfraz's case and that too in the last match of the series. He was concerned if things dont go his way, he will be dropped permanently.

I understand your point, but in international cricket you get limited opportunity and you make the best of whatever you got. Infact, Sarfaraz was lucky to be in the squad in the first place.

This is a common trait in subcontinental side, where mediocre players have this sense of entitlement.

 

[waleed88]

Goes on to show how much belief our players have in their own capabilities!

Instead of grabbing the chance with both hands to prove that you can still be valuable to the team, Sarfraz is afraid of failure and it's consequences. Pathetic!

Easy for a guy to say sitting behind a computer. In a competitive environment, anything that shakes your confidence can make it difficult to make a comeback. You start to second guess all your instincts. Not to forget his last t20 was an unceremonious exit from the team with the same management. Specially a management that has already decided that you are not good enough.

 

[Indiafan]

It isn't nearly as important as it is in Tests and ODIs. A dropped catch can still allow you to get away with a win as chances come much more regularly because of the fast-paced, risk-heavy nature of the format.

And people are saying this after sarfraz almost lost a matcht hey should have won by 50 runs.

On the contrary t20 is a format where one person can change the game as moen ali shwed when he made Paksitam pay for the drop catch. He was the only one who played well that day. And a match Pakistan should have won easily went to the last ball

I am still baffled that Pakistan, which is the team which has suffered most by dropped catches and missed opportunities, including losing some legendary matches and series, still have fans who haven't learned their lesson. If you have your basic wrongs, the maximum level you can reach is being average and never touch greatness

 

[leg-side-flick]

Oh my goodness. For how long are we going to endure this deplorable attitude ?

You were benched anyways. Instead of proving critics wrong he thought it’d better to sit out.
We could have easliy lost this match thanks to him with his missed stumping.

He must have been ready with the excuse of, " I was taken to England and didn't even get to play a game "

Playing last game spoiled that...

 

[Executioner]

Easy for a guy to say sitting behind a computer. In a competitive environment, anything that shakes your confidence can make it difficult to make a comeback. You start to second guess all your instincts. Not to forget his last t20 was an unceremonious exit from the team with the same management. Specially a management that has already decided that you are not good enough.

Sorry but rizwan is miles better than Sarfaraz.

 

[shamaan]

Sorry but rizwan is miles better than Sarfaraz.

In what format ?

 

[MMHS]

Yeh a guy who is already feeling very down you end up throwing fines at him.

Not the right way to approach

The best medicine to me, for such behavior is to hurt where it hurts - pocket. At this age, I don't think Sarfraz needs solaces ...and if the story is true, his acts are completely unacceptable for a former PAK Captain and now veteran of a decade as International.

Lloyd lost a Test at PoSpain against India in 1976, defending 400+ and he had 3 spinners in that Test, for which he declared the 2nd innings giving India (& his bowlers) enough time for a direct result - and his three spinners took 2/300 or so...... So, what Lloyd declared was that he was going to close the door for any WIndian spinner from WIN playing XI as long as he is playing - and the guy did that, in his 10 years since that defeat, only once WIN played a specialist spinner - Rangy Nanan, in a Test at Faisalabad.... and that guy took 4/91 in a win. For 9 years, from 1976 to 1985 this guy Nanan played almost 100 FC games, took 350+ wickets at 23 (and with a sadistic economy), and he was picked for 19 (or more) series .... for that ONE Test, when one of the WIN quicks got injured on that Test morning. Half of his FC career was for WIN, in tour games and that guy kept trying for his entire career to play one more Test, which Lloyd never gave him - and Nanan kept performing for WIN reserves in tour games.

I hope you understood what I am trying to say here................

 

[TeymurBlake]

WOW!!

Okay then, if he can't motivate himself to play and perform for Pakistan in a must win game, then maybe it would be wise to move on from him.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

And people are saying this after sarfraz almost lost a matcht hey should have won by 50 runs.

On the contrary t20 is a format where one person can change the game as moen ali shwed when he made Paksitam pay for the drop catch. He was the only one who played well that day. And a match Pakistan should have won easily went to the last ball

I am still baffled that Pakistan, which is the team which has suffered most by dropped catches and missed opportunities, including losing some legendary matches and series, still have fans who haven't learned their lesson. If you have your basic wrongs, the maximum level you can reach is being average and never touch greatness

You are completely missing my point.

I'm not saying that holding onto catches is not important. I am saying you can still get away with blunders like that in T20Is, as Pakistan did the other day.

Drop someone in a test match and they hit a double hundred and the game is gone. Ditto for someone going on to score a hundred after getting dropped in a one day game. The point was that the chance for a batsman afflict damage after getting a reprieve is far greater in Test matches and ODIs than it is in T20Is as the same batsman you dropped an over ago will probably give you another chance in the next.

 

[Shazzam]

You are completely missing my point.

I'm not saying that holding onto catches is not important. I am saying you can still get away with blunders like that in T20Is, as Pakistan did the other day.

Drop someone in a test match and they hit a double hundred and the game is gone. Ditto for someone going on to score a hundred after getting dropped in a one day game. The point was that the chance for a batsman afflict damage after getting a reprieve is far greater in Test matches and ODIs than it is in T20Is as the same batsman you dropped an over ago will probably give you another chance in the next.

I think you can easily make the same argument for the twenty20 format. Its not like in Test’s and ODI’s Batsmen don’t give you chances. Which is why its best to treat each format equally.

 

[MRSN]

Ok as per media reports (and not in PCB Youtube recording!):

Misbah said that Sarfaraz had not refused to play but only “expressed his reservations”, which he said was something “I would also have done if I were in his position.”

The head coach further said that "any player can have concerns when given the final match of a tour and that’s what Sarfaraz also had.”

“He had pressure that if things don’t go his way then he could be in trouble"

There was a confirmed drama between him and Misbah before 3rd T20I. Sarfraz latest tweet is a big sign. Misbah has admitted Sarfraz didn't want to play the 3rd T20I. I mean who is this guy to say if he want to play or not? Even if great Sachin Tendulker or Ricky Ponting had said this to his coach it would have been a big controversy and here we have people defending this pathetic attitude by a nothing cricketer.


Also I am pretty sure things didn't happen as pleasantly as Misbah described so reports seems very true.

 

[Sycamore]

Give sarfraz a break, The man was running out drinks to the players when a squad of 16 was sitting around in the test series. unless u are willing that a member be not allowed to express their concerns with the coach.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I think you can easily make the same argument for the twenty20 format. Its not like in Test’s and ODI’s Batsmen don’t give you chances. Which is why its best to treat each format equally.

I don't agree. The nature of the format invites risk. And risk always creates wicket-taking opportunities. It's either hit out or get out. In Tests and ODIs you can take the game away from another side if you get set and get through difficult periods, particularly in countries like Australia, India.

 

[Slim]

Sarfraz's time is up. Thanks for the memories, but its time to move on!

 

[Saj]

Indeed and it showed. Plenty of fans were unforgiving about that missed stumping which is a fairly harsh reaction against a guy that short of match practice.

That's South Asian fan bases for you though. No common sense, just anger at any opportunity.

It was a tough chance, but people are unforgiving when a player's career is heading in the wrong direction.

 

[Hasan]

It was a tough chance, but people are unforgiving when a player's career is heading in the wrong direction.

People with these characteristics are also failures in their own lives!

 

[gazza619]

Sarfraz's time is up. Thanks for the memories, but its time to move on!

The same was said about malik n hafeez a decade ago

 

[Saj]

People with these characteristics are also failures in their own lives!

But to be fair Sarfaraz hasn't been great of late and some of the criticism has been justified.

 

[Hasan]

But to be fair Sarfaraz hasn't been great of late and some of the criticism has been justified.

I agree but what I hate to see is character assassination because someone may be out of form or not performing to the level we have become accustomed to.

Mental wellbeing is an essential aspect to being successful and a critical aspect of mental wellbeing is the support and understanding of your key stakeholders. I wonder how many promising careers have been destroyed by uncalled for criticism and lack of support when it was needed most.

Sarfraz has achieved a great deal and brought great success to the national side. And how do we repay him, we criticise, ridicule and call for his head to roll in the most public and vicious manner.

Is this what it means to be a Pakistani supporter? I for one respect and honour all players who represent the nation with integrity and commitment. And this does change if they happen to be out of form.

 

[Executioner]

In what format ?

I am speaking overall. As a keeper and batsman

 

[Savak]

Sarfaraz sadly went the Kamran Akmal route. Became lazy, lethargic and a complete shadow of athletic and fit keeper he used to be from 2013 to 2016.

 

[MenInG]

Media reports indicate that PCB have demanded a report in the Sarfaraz incident - not sure what the actions will be from this.

 

[Ellipsism]

Sarfaraz sadly went the Kamran Akmal route. Became lazy, lethargic and a complete shadow of athletic and fit keeper he used to be from 2013 to 2016.

He was never athletic...

He’s a fat slob, lucky to be blessed with the reflexes required to play top level cricket.

 

[shamaan]

I am speaking overall. As a keeper and batsman

Used to be but not anymore

 

[Usman]

According to reports on news channels, Sarfaraz didn’t want to play the last match of the tour after being benched for the whole series. Younis Khan with the help of Misbah and Babar convinced him to play.

Misbah at the presser yesterday said that Sarfaraz is still a part of the team’s plans going forward and one match will not result in any change to his standing in the team where he is a backup to Rizwan.

Hang on a second, if Sarfraz threw a tantrum, why did Younus, Misbah and Barbar waste time trying to convince him to play? Playing for your national team is an honour which 99.9% of people will never get the chance to do. Someone with this attitude should be dropped, immediately.

I was shocked to see Sarfraz play in the first place. Mohammed Rizwaan has been utterly exceptional all tour and has truly ended the debate around who is our best keeper. I felt like the management were playing Sarfraz just so that he doesn't go home without playing a game, which is ridiculous in the first place.