[REPORTS] Sarfraz Ahmed set to be appointed as Pakistan cricket team’s Test captain

[Abdullah719]

Pakistan cricket team’s limited over skipper, Sarfraz Ahmed, who is still basking in the glory of winning the ICC Champions Trophy, is set to be appointed as the captain of the Test team as well.

A senior official of the Pakistan Cricket Board told PTI that in principle when Chairman Shaharyar Khan and the head of the executive committee, Najam Sethi were in London for the Champions Trophy, it had been decided to promote Sarfaraz as Test captain.

“It is now just a formality of the PCB Chairman making an announcement when he returns home. The decision has been taken and is final. Sarfraz will take over as Test captain after being appointed as deputy to Misbah-ul-Haq on the recent tour to the West Indies,” the official said.

He also said that after Shaharyar returns home in a week’s time, a meeting of the governing body will be held in which formal approval will be given for the appointment of Sarfraz as Test captain as he is already leading the ODI and T20 outfits with success.

Misbah retired as Test captain after seven years in this position following the West Indies tour. He served as Test captain from late 2010 onwards going to become the most successful test captain for his country.

Pakistan’s next Test series is not until September- October when it hosts Sri Lanka in the UAE. The long gap has come about after Pakistan pulled out of a scheduled Test tour of Bangladesh in July.

The official said that a committee of former Test players, Haroon Rasheed and Mudassar Nazar who hold key positions in the board and chief operating officer, Subhan Ahmed will also submit its feedback on the performance of the support staff/coaches.

“Any decision on the future of some coaches will be taken based on the committee’s suggestions. But Chairman, Shaharyar is delighted with the work of head coach, Mickey Arthur,” he said.

The official conceded that it was Shaharyar who had convinced everyone in the board to go with Arthur last year after the resignation of Waqar Younis as head coach.

Arthur’s contract will be reviewed next year in April and there is no reason now for him not to continue or get an extension,” another reliable source said.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/crick...est-captain/story-j5UoPCdtuOqIjhoo3rXb6K.html

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Reports confirmed by Chief Destroyer.

 

[Markhor]

I thought this decision had already been made. Anyway its the right thing to do, though a lot of workload on Sarfraz's shoulders. T20s could be used to groom a secondary captain.

“Any decision on the future of some coaches will be taken based on the committee’s suggestions. But Chairman, Shaharyar is delighted with the work of head coach, Mickey Arthur,” he said.

The official conceded that it was Shaharyar who had convinced everyone in the board to go with Arthur last year after the resignation of Waqar Younis as head coach.

Shehryar saab has his moments of inspiration.

Now please give Arthur his deserved new contract.

 

[Madplayer]

Pretty obvious that. If not him who else.

 

[IAJ]

Pretty obvious that. If not him who else.

Azhar Ali?

 

[Savak]

Let's look at the bright side, this way Sarfaraz will be forced into putting in extra yards when it comes to his fitness and can also help improve as a captain being the test captain as well.

 

[Leeon1994]

We should then change T20 captain to someone like Shadab.

 

[JibranAnsari]

I know english isnt important and all but its always good if you could translate your views in a clear way in front of media. I think pakistan should start to train shadab khan to handle media better and this also includes improving his english. The first priority definitely is his cricket.

 

[mak36]

Good. The lack of drama is rather disconcerting (although it's certainly a good sign!)

 

[Arsalan Pro]

Azhar Ali?

He himself resigned from the Test Vice Captain post clearly suggesting that he isn't interested in Captaincy anymore.

 

[msb314]

Good. The lack of drama is rather disconcerting (although it's certainly a good sign!)

Never count out a twist in the tale when it comes to Palistan cricket.

 

[Runner Up]

Right choice but too early to announce I don't know when will we play test match in future and against who?

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

My only issue with this is Sarfaz's workload. His keeping have never been better than what it was in the CT, but i fear what keeping in tests may result in.

We can trial it for a while but i think we also must be open to getting Rizwan in and Sarfraz playing as a batsmen

 

[Khwaja]

Thank god.... Misbah is gone

 

[Rana]

Finally a proper captain suitable for all three formats, and that too who can remain for a long time

 

[mak36]

Never count out a twist in the tale when it comes to Palistan cricket.

That's what i'm worried about.

 

[Arsalan Pro]

Rightly he should be appointed the Test Captain as he is the best captain in Pakistan currently. Exciting times ahead with some attacking cricket under Sarfraz, I hope we get to Number 1 in Rankings soon.

 

[Madplayer]

Azhar Ali?

Dont think he wants to be captain anymore. He even let go of vice captaincy.

 

[mariner014]

No other option n sarfi need more experience to get attacking mind set beside t20 n shorter format mentality.

 

[Mainul]

A few posters were telling the name of Hafeez as test captain.It would have been a big mistake if Hafeez were given this role.

 

[marlonbrowndo]

He's the best choice. If the workload gets too much then someone else should be made T20 captain

 

[Khwaja]

He's the best choice. If the workload gets too much then someone else should be made T20 captain

Captain... Shadab Khan

 

[Billy1999]

I think Malik can take the T-20 captaincy

It's called fun cricket,you only need to play serious T-20 s at the WT20.

 

[Khwaja]

I think Malik can take the T-20 captaincy

It's called fun cricket,you only need to play serious T-20 s at the WT20.

too old..

 

[marlonbrowndo]

Captain... Shadab Khan

Not yet

 

[Khwaja]

Not yet

how about Sharjeel (if he returns) or captain Aamer

 

[WC-Passion]

Make Amir T20 captain and let Sarfraz be ODI and Test captain. Sure that [MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION] would agree with me.

 

[Khwaja]

Make Amir T20 captain and let Sarfraz be ODI and Test captain. Sure that [MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION] would agree with me.

hehe.. it'll be kinda funny seeing Aamer setting the fielders and talking with Hasan ali on his bowling... it'll be great

 

[Billy1999]

Actually on second thoughts

Don't name a captain

 

[Arham_PakFan]

As expected.

 

[Major]

Test ia very different to odi and t20. Even dhoni couldnt succeed as a test captain as misbah did, lets see if sarfraz coulf fill the boots of misbah

 

[Major]

Make Amir T20 captain and let Sarfraz be ODI and Test captain. Sure that [MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION] would agree with me.

Amir cant be captain. He has that same pathetic senior player attitude which waseem and co had and those guys eventually destroyed the whole dressing room atmosphere.

Amir might be a great bowler, but he has a very pathetic attitude for a team sport

 

[hadi123]

Inevitable after winning the CT

 

[Major]

I know english isnt important and all but its always good if you could translate your views in a clear way in front of media. I think pakistan should start to train shadab khan to handle media better and this also includes improving his english. The first priority definitely is his cricket.

Lol shadab cant even talk in urdu properly.

 

[PakLFC]

Someone else should be Test captain. To much responsibility being thrown on one man's shoulders.

 

[Macho Mann]

sarfraz should decline, wont get any thing from tests, he can win lots of trophies and ICC tournaments through ODIs and T20s

 

[Saj]

Deserves the role.

Mickey Arthur gave me a strong hint that it would be Sarfraz when we spoke in Birmingham.

 

[msb314]

Not yet

I would go with Babar as T20 captain.

Well established in the team by now and will be a great learning experience for him before he is considered for captaincy for the longer formats.

 

[Savak]

Is there a Full fledged proper wicket keeping batsman in domestic cricket who we can try in test cricket while Sarfaraz can play as captain and batsman?

Sri Lanka allowed Sangakarra to play as a batsman in test cricket

 

[ahmedwaqas92]

Get somebody else to do the T20 bit, too much apparently on Sarfraz's shoulders at the moment. The format isn't as serious as ODI and Tests + ideally it should be a breeding ground for future LOI and Tests stars for Pakistan.

 

[ExplicitAI]

I think we should follow the Sangakarra route which is to make Sarfraz a pure batsman in Tests and get someone else as a keeper to manage his workload, I'd also have Sarfraz captain in T20's all the way till the next T20 WC and hopefully if we win that then he can give the captaincy to someone else. He's vital in Tests and ODI's.

 

[MMHS]

Make Amir T20 captain and let Sarfraz be ODI and Test captain. Sure that [MENTION=79064]MMHS[/MENTION] would agree with me.

Ideally, Sarfraz should be Captain for all 3 & Amir deputy. Otherwise, there will be an issue of hierarchy, because both are automatic choice in all 3 formats. It'll be difficult for both to be leading other in different format, which is not good for chain of command. It's neither helpful for young players, to be led by 2 different Captains, who are both playing with them in every format. Misbah & Afridi wasn't an issue, because Misbah didn't play in T20, hence he was always senior, same goes for Misbah, Azhar, Sarfraz in Test,ODI & T20 leadership. Similarly, in BD, Mashrafee was LO Captain & he didn't play under Mushi (retired from Test), or in IND, MS retired from Test after stepping down from Test Captaincy.

Ideally, Sarfraz should be Captain, Amir deputy for Test & ODI - may be they can make Imad deputy for T20, or even Shadab deputy for T20; but none of the appointed Captains should overlap each others in hierarchy in different formats.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

He will do fine leading in all three formats.

My concern is he is not making enough runs in tests for sometime now. Really hope he starts scoring big. He is good enough with the bat. Just needs to construct his innings better.

 

[arehaan]

I think its the best to have 1 captain across all formats as it prevents grouping. Sarfraz needs to work hard on his fitness as keeping and captaincy can be very taxing in the long run but for the time being its the right decision.

 

[clean n cool]

Lol we don't have any international cricket in the coming months n we're discussing future captain candidates .....too early to call but Fakhar Zaman for T20 captaincy is also an option. Wonder how good sarfraz's fielding will be if asked to take the gloves off in test...

 

[Fahdi]

Sarfraz should not be captaining or even playing all 3 formats. The PCB needs to force him to retire from T20Is and keep him for ODIs and Tests only. Keeping wickets takes quite a toll on the body and T20s should be the lowest in priority for Pakistan.

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

Kudos to PCB for taking the correct decision.

Stability in Pak cricket, now that's something pleasant

 

[Slog]

Is there a Full fledged proper wicket keeping batsman in domestic cricket who we can try in test cricket while Sarfaraz can play as captain and batsman?

Sri Lanka allowed Sangakarra to play as a batsman in test cricket

Sangakarra was/is on a different level as a batsman. Sarfraz is not comparable at all. Sanga played as a batsman because that served SL better not as any favor to Sanga

Sanga could break into most teams purely as a batsman whereas Sarfaraz is not guaranteed to even make the Pakistani team as a batsman alone.

 

[yokoonodie]

So Sarfi will be the captain, wicketkeeper and batsman in all forms of international cricket, add to that various lollipop leagues other than PSL would be looking to give him a contract since hes a Pak captain whose gaining a decent following, hes not even as fit as someone like Dhoni, seems a bit of a stretch

 

[MenInG]

His fitness is a worry so hope we don't lose a good captain in LOIs due to Tests

 

[IMMY69]

Good decision to make him captain of all three formats.

It stops groupings.
There shouldn't be any physical tiredness or mental fatigue as we hardly play T20's and we don't have a busy schedule over the next 6 to 12 months.

 

[Haseeb 22]

My only issue with this is Sarfaz's workload. His keeping have never been better than what it was in the CT, but i fear what keeping in tests may result in.

We can trial it for a while but i think we also must be open to getting Rizwan in and Sarfraz playing as a batsmen

If Dhoni could do it then so can Sarfaraz. That is not an excusw

 

[Haseeb 22]

His fitness is a worry so hope we don't lose a good captain in LOIs due to Tests

He needs to work on his fitness then. Keeping fit is his responsibility

 

[yokoonodie]

Dhoni is a natural athlete, Sarfaraz far from it

 

[LastManstanding]

His fitness is a worry so hope we don't lose a good captain in LOIs due to Tests

More than that, he needs to improve his wicket keeping.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Amir cant be captain. He has that same pathetic senior player attitude which waseem and co had and those guys eventually destroyed the whole dressing room atmosphere.

Amir might be a great bowler, but he has a very pathetic attitude for a team sport

what made u think he has a pathetic attitude for a team sport..

 

[ask_analyse_act]

If Dhoni could do it then so can Sarfaraz. That is not an excusw

dhoni failed as a test captain...

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Ideally, Sarfraz should be Captain for all 3 & Amir deputy. Otherwise, there will be an issue of hierarchy, because both are automatic choice in all 3 formats. It'll be difficult for both to be leading other in different format, which is not good for chain of command. It's neither helpful for young players, to be led by 2 different Captains, who are both playing with them in every format. Misbah & Afridi wasn't an issue, because Misbah didn't play in T20, hence he was always senior, same goes for Misbah, Azhar, Sarfraz in Test,ODI & T20 leadership. Similarly, in BD, Mashrafee was LO Captain & he didn't play under Mushi (retired from Test), or in IND, MS retired from Test after stepping down from Test Captaincy.

Ideally, Sarfraz should be Captain, Amir deputy for Test & ODI - may be they can make Imad deputy for T20, or even Shadab deputy for T20; but none of the appointed Captains should overlap each others in hierarchy in different formats.

Agreed.. but Amir will not be given vice captaincy i suppose, need another 3-4 years and performances like this to grab some trust that was lost very early into his career....

To me Azhar Ali is the better choice for test captaincy compared to Sarfraz as it is a different format where Azhar had more experience, spent a lot of time more than sarfraz and also more deserving with the runs he has scored... Sarfraz' fitness is also an issue and pak might lose a good LOI captain by making him captain in tests...

 

[coy0607]

Sarfraz seems to thrive under the increased workload - his keeping is the best it's ever been, the team is responding to him and his batting is coming along as well

There should be no more talk of captaincy in any format for another 4+ years now, everything should fall in place behind Sarfraz

 

[coy0607]

Good decision to make him captain of all three formats.

It stops groupings.
There shouldn't be any physical tiredness or mental fatigue as we hardly play T20's and we don't have a busy schedule over the next 6 to 12 months.

Great point, having multiple captains has NEVER worked well for Pakistan and there should not be hope of it ever working either with the mindset that Pakistanis have

Sarfraz should rightfully be captain of all 3 sides, and if anything he should play less domestic cricket (like Imran and Wasim used to) to avoid mental or physical fatigue

 

[Syed1]

He is the best captain in Pakistan right now, but keeping and captaining in tests is a different ball game. He may have to give up the gloves in test matches

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

If Dhoni could do it then so can Sarfaraz. That is not an excusw

Not everyone is dhoni

We should have high standards but we should also have contingencies in place.

A legend like Gilly concluded that he could not keep to a quality legspinner and captain in Tests

Hopefully sarfraz manages but we should prepared for another outcome

 

[RickyG]

Deserves the role.

Mickey Arthur gave me a strong hint that it would be Sarfraz when we spoke in Birmingham.

Agreed on deserving the role.

What's your take on the relationship between Sarfraz and Mickey?

It seems like Mickey has a far better understanding with Sarfraz than he did with Misbah or Azhar. Is Sarfraz better at carrying out Mickey's plans and methods?

 

[Amjid Javed]

Obvious choice as hes one of few players batting wise and obviously being keeper to get into side on merit 1st and can then skipper the side.

 

[Macho Mann]

Sangakarra was/is on a different level as a batsman. Sarfraz is not comparable at all. Sanga played as a batsman because that served SL better not as any favor to Sanga

Sanga could break into most teams purely as a batsman whereas Sarfaraz is not guaranteed to even make the Pakistani team as a batsman alone.

More than that, he needs to improve his wicket keeping.

if not for sarfraz ahmed's batting pakistan would only dream about winning the champions trophy, second he was the highest scorer in england pakistan series

to last man standing, sarfraz took the best wicket keeping catch at champions trophy here is ICC tweet for you and is being voted for ICC play of the tournament

https://www.icc-cricket.com/champions-trophy/play-of-the-tournament

 

[Syed1]

if not for sarfraz ahmed's batting pakistan would only dream about winning the champions trophy, second he was the highest scorer in england pakistan series

to last man standing, sarfraz took the best wicket keeping catch at champions trophy here is ICC tweet for you and is being voted for ICC play of the tournament

https://www.icc-cricket.com/champions-trophy/play-of-the-tournament

Wow wow wow... three of the top four moments are by Pakistanis.


We really ruled the roost in this tournament.

 

[Rayyman]

Hope his captaincy doesn't last for long. He is 30 years old, wicket-keeper, and has below par fitness.

 

[Macho Mann]

Hope his captaincy doesn't last for long. He is 30 years old, wicket-keeper, and has below par fitness.

after merely five days?

i thought you guys would take some time this time around

 

[Rayyman]

after merely five days?

i thought you guys would take some time this time around

Hopefully only 3 years max.

 

[Macho Mann]

Hopefully only 3 years max.

why?

should go before 2019 wc?

 

[bujhee kom]

Someone wanted Fawad Alam to return as captain.

There is a reason why we are talking about cricket whilst more capable people are running/playing it.

 

[WC-Passion]

hehe.. it'll be kinda funny seeing Aamer setting the fielders and talking with Hasan ali on his bowling... it'll be great

True, I'm sure the attacking mindset would be continued if Amir was captain.

Amir cant be captain. He has that same pathetic senior player attitude which waseem and co had and those guys eventually destroyed the whole dressing room atmosphere.

Amir might be a great bowler, but he has a very pathetic attitude for a team sport

I think its more to do with how mentally strong he is, he always performs when the pressure is on and that is when he shows his best form. That's an excellent trait to have as a captain.

Ideally, Sarfraz should be Captain for all 3 & Amir deputy. Otherwise, there will be an issue of hierarchy, because both are automatic choice in all 3 formats. It'll be difficult for both to be leading other in different format, which is not good for chain of command. It's neither helpful for young players, to be led by 2 different Captains, who are both playing with them in every format. Misbah & Afridi wasn't an issue, because Misbah didn't play in T20, hence he was always senior, same goes for Misbah, Azhar, Sarfraz in Test,ODI & T20 leadership. Similarly, in BD, Mashrafee was LO Captain & he didn't play under Mushi (retired from Test), or in IND, MS retired from Test after stepping down from Test Captaincy.

Ideally, Sarfraz should be Captain, Amir deputy for Test & ODI - may be they can make Imad deputy for T20, or even Shadab deputy for T20; but none of the appointed Captains should overlap each others in hierarchy in different formats.

Personally think if not Amir (because of him being an auto-pick in all three formats) we should make someone else other than Sarfraz captain in T20's. I personally think Sarfraz's fitness isn't the best and the workload could have an impact on him, so maybe we should play Rizwan and make Babar/Imad/Shadab captain of the team.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

First they said he will not be a good t20 captain.
Then they said he will not be a good odi captain
And now they are saying he will not be a good test captain.

But Sarfi will continue to humble 'experts'.

 

[Savak]

Is there any proper Wicketkeeping batsman in Domestic Cricket? Lol, we can make Umar Akmal the Wicket keeping batsman in test cricket, that will force him to keep fit and this is the only way we can get him in the test squad.

 

[Macho Mann]

Is there any proper Wicketkeeping batsman in Domestic Cricket? Lol, we can make Umar Akmal the Wicket keeping batsman in test cricket, that will force him to keep fit and this is the only way we can get him in the test squad.

its like calling kamran akmal's soul in disguise of umar akmal

 

[Abdullah719]

Sarfraz Ahmed to be made Test captain in PCB meeting on July 19

LAHORE: Pakistan’s limited-overs captain Sarfraz Ahmed is expected to be handed Test leadership in a meeting of the PCB board of governors on July 19, reports said on Friday.

The board’s governing members are expected to meet on July 19, in what would be the last major meeting under the chairmanship of the outgoing Shahryar Khan.

Sarfraz, who already leads his side in ODIs and T20Is, is likely to be named Test captain in the meeting, before the current chairman Shahryar Khan’s tenure ends in August this year.

Shahryar Khan, as well as several other cricketing greats, have already declared Sarfraz to be the strongest candidate for the Test captaincy.

The 30-year-old skipper’s case was further strengthened after he led Pakistan to a historic title win in the ICC Champions Trophy earlier in June by thrashing India.

Sarfraz was also appointed vice captain to Misbah-ul-Haq in Pakistan’s tour to the West Indies before the Champions Trophy. The final decision about his Test captaincy is expected to be mere formality.

https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/20...-made-test-captain-in-pcb-meeting-on-july-19/

 

[MMHS]

LAHORE: Pakistan’s limited-overs captain Sarfraz Ahmed is expected to be handed Test leadership in a meeting of the PCB board of governors on July 19, reports said on Friday.

The board’s governing members are expected to meet on July 19, in what would be the last major meeting under the chairmanship of the outgoing Shahryar Khan.

Sarfraz, who already leads his side in ODIs and T20Is, is likely to be named Test captain in the meeting, before the current chairman Shahryar Khan’s tenure ends in August this year.

Shahryar Khan, as well as several other cricketing greats, have already declared Sarfraz to be the strongest candidate for the Test captaincy.

The 30-year-old skipper’s case was further strengthened after he led Pakistan to a historic title win in the ICC Champions Trophy earlier in June by thrashing India.

Sarfraz was also appointed vice captain to Misbah-ul-Haq in Pakistan’s tour to the West Indies before the Champions Trophy. The final decision about his Test captaincy is expected to be mere formality.

https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/20...-made-test-captain-in-pcb-meeting-on-july-19/

It was open secret; more important is - who is/are going to be his deputy for Test/ODI/T20? Any clue?

 

[from_da_lost_dim3nsion]

It was open secret; more important is - who is/are going to be his deputy for Test/ODI/T20? Any clue?

Imad wasim ,Babar Azam or Aamir. I would've preferred Hassan myself TBH , he seems to have a mind and read of the game . Imad seems too immature while Babar donesn't seem to have the kind of personality that will demand respect .Aamir has other issues that are not cricket related.

 

[MMHS]

Imad wasim ,Babar Azam or Aamir. I would've preferred Hassan myself TBH , he seems to have a mind and read of the game . Imad seems too immature while Babar donesn't seem to have the kind of personality that will demand respect .Aamir has other issues that are not cricket related.

Babar isn't tough enough - you won't ever believe that Imran would allow his fellow team mate to carry him like Madhuri Dixit in front of whole stadium - even for a broken leg or a cracked skull. Chances are high that, Babar's batting will suffer to lead a struggling side (don't be fooled with CT win - that mid summer's night dream is over in 4 match). He has a far more critical role to perform - be the batting leader of what is easily the worst batting line-up among serious cricket nations & maintain 50+ international average in combined 3 formats.

Imad should never, never, never be made PAK Captain - it's like Larry Gomez leading a team of Richards, Lloyd, Lara, Marshall, Holding, Garner, Roberts & Ambrose He is just not good enough for a fixed spot in ODI side. May be T20 is his limit.

Whole PAK might not like it, but only, only, only realistic option is Amir - someone who can lead from the front of a young team. If he is clean enough to wear PAK Cap, he is clean enough to strap the arm band.

By the time Hasan might be ready, I believe it's better to invest on Shadab, rather than him.

 

[coy0607]

A few posters were telling the name of Hafeez as test captain.It would have been a big mistake if Hafeez were given this role.

Typical Pakistani mentality- make a guy who's not even in the team the captain