Sarfaraz Ahmed's inconsistency and irresponsible attitude can no longer be tolerated

[Savak]

Just compare him to Williamson. Williamson put his hand up and rose to the occasion with that knock in the third test match. Williamson knows he is the best batsman in his team and put a ten times higher price on his wicket knowing how much his own team depended on him.

Williamson as an on field captain is head and shoulders above Sarfaraz with his field placements, bowling changes while Sarfaraz constantly puts fielders on the boundary and leaks singles and loses the plot under pressure which effects the entire team.

Sarfaraz is just not improving at all, i just don't see any signs or anything that he is actually even capable of improving. He does not look like someone with a wealth of captaincy experience behind him.

But what are the alternatives realistically? Does the lack of alternatives justify carrying a passenger and unfit player in the test side? Sometimes players need a big kick up their back sides to get them work hard again, our players get into a huge comfort zone once they establish themselves as senior players and in the squad which is a huge shame

 

[aukhan]

His attitude changed since the CT 17 win. He stopped working hard and it showed in his batting and aproach towards the game. This series loss is his fault only. He needs a danda lets hope Mickey will give him the danda he is long deserving.

 

[ILcricket]

Your selectors need to feel the same way i guess .

 

[topspin]

His attitude changed since the CT 17 win. He stopped working hard and it showed in his batting and aproach towards the game. This series loss is his fault only. He needs a danda lets hope Mickey will give him the danda he is long deserving.

This - he is living off that CT glory and his attitude towards fitness, diet, training and overall has gone downhill.

But like Mamoon said earlier this year, you give a nobody a little taste of success and this is how they will respond especially if they are Pakistani where it's all about seniority culture.

 

[Markhor]

Shoaib Malik should not have been appointed Test captain in 2007 because he didn't merit a playing spot - but even he had a greater claim to a place than Sarfraz does.

The lack of composure and panic in pressure situations reflects the captain's own mentality in these situations.

 

[Hawkeye]

Pakistan has won only 2 out of 7 'home' Test matches under Sarfraz Ahmed

What's happening?

When were we ever so bad as a Test nation?

Is it our worse period as a cricketing nation?

Knocked out of the Asia Cup, lost a home series to Sri Lanka, now lost a home series to New Zealand.

Won only 2 matches, 1 draw.

 

[aukhan]

This - he is living off that CT glory and his attitude towards fitness, diet, training and overall has gone downhill.

But like Mamoon said earlier this year, you give a nobody a little taste of success and this is how they will respond especially if they are Pakistani where it's all about seniority culture.

Agree and on top of that you add Afridi and Imran type dedicated fan following to make you think you are some kind of messiah of Pakistan cricket.

 

[Mamoon]

You cannot expect an average player like Sarfraz to perform like a modern great that Williamson is. I personally do not feel that Sarfraz is underperforming or not working hard; he is simply doing what he can, and it is not good enough.

People are forgetting the fact that he has been a thoroughly below par player for pretty much the 80% of his career. He had a purple patch in 2014-2015, but that was not a true representation of his overall capability as a player.

He was given numerous chances from 2008 to 2013 but he failed to make an impression. He still living off the three consecutive tons in three series against Sri Lanka, Australia and New Zealand in 2014/2015, and an odd knock here and there since.

The lesson that PCB needs to learn here is to not thrust the captaincy onto a mediocre player in a purple patch, because no matter how great the purple patch is, mediocrity will always catch up with you. Giving him the captaincy was an emotional decision and we clearly did not think it through.

 

[ILcricket]

You cannot expect an average player like Sarfraz to perform like a modern great that Williamson is. I personally do not feel that Sarfraz is underperforming or not working hard; he is simply doing what he can, and it is not good enough.

People are forgetting the fact that he has been a thoroughly below par player for pretty much the 80% of his career. He had a purple patch in 2014-2015, but that was not a true representation of his overall capability as a player.

He was given numerous chances from 2008 to 2013 but he failed to make an impression. He still living off the three consecutive tons in three series against Sri Lanka, Australia and New Zealand in 2014/2015, and an odd knock here and there since.

The lesson that PCB needs to learn here is to not thrust the captaincy onto a mediocre player in a purple patch, because no matter how great the purple patch is, mediocrity will always catch up with you. Giving him the captaincy was an emotional decision and we clearly did not think it through.

Unless he is the best keeper in Country , i do not think he deserves a place in Test 11 .
He is a poor captain .

 

[Sher Khan]

You cannot expect an average player like Sarfraz to perform like a modern great that Williamson is. I personally do not feel that Sarfraz is underperforming or not working hard; he is simply doing what he can, and it is not good enough.

People are forgetting the fact that he has been a thoroughly below par player for pretty much the 80% of his career. He had a purple patch in 2014-2015, but that was not a true representation of his overall capability as a player.

He was given numerous chances from 2008 to 2013 but he failed to make an impression. He still living off the three consecutive tons in three series against Sri Lanka, Australia and New Zealand in 2014/2015, and an odd knock here and there since.

The lesson that PCB needs to learn here is to not thrust the captaincy onto a mediocre player in a purple patch, because no matter how great the purple patch is, mediocrity will always catch up with you. Giving him the captaincy was an emotional decision and we clearly did not think it through.

POTW. Summed it up really well.

 

[Savak]

You cannot expect an average player like Sarfraz to perform like a modern great that Williamson is. I personally do not feel that Sarfraz is underperforming or not working hard; he is simply doing what he can, and it is not good enough.

People are forgetting the fact that he has been a thoroughly below par player for pretty much the 80% of his career. He had a purple patch in 2014-2015, but that was not a true representation of his overall capability as a player.

He was given numerous chances from 2008 to 2013 but he failed to make an impression. He still living off the three consecutive tons in three series against Sri Lanka, Australia and New Zealand in 2014/2015, and an odd knock here and there since.

The lesson that PCB needs to learn here is to not thrust the captaincy onto a mediocre player in a purple patch, because no matter how great the purple patch is, mediocrity will always catch up with you. Giving him the captaincy was an emotional decision and we clearly did not think it through.

The question is what are the alternatives in the present squad?

Have seen enough of Azhar Ali to know he is not captaincy material. In fact i am even questioning whether Pakistan is wise enough to persist with Azhar now knowing he will not get any better as a player, will always be a timid player and is also carrying a knee problem which may limit his playing career now.

Asad Shafiq they say is a decent domestic captain but he is far too inconsistent as a player?

Barring these two, there are just no alternatives but even i now conceede that having no alternatives is no excuse for continuing with Sarfaraz either, he is clearly exploiting this situation unchallenged

 

[JaanZeb]

Another thread to divert and shift opinion away from Inzamam and selection committee.

The way people are reacting its though Pakistan has collapsed for the first time this is happening for 4 years now before Sarfraz and Arthur were captain and coach.

Certain batsmen not being dropped are sinking the job of the bowlers on whom our team is surviving.
If Sarfraz was not there Pakistan would've collapsed under 100. Can't blame Sarfraz for batting collapses again and again.

This kind of bullcrap to divert blame from Inzamam who again today rushed the selections for RSA tour, is just ludicrous.

 

[aloo paratha]

Whenever it happens, I'm sure he'll be sacked, not leave on his own terms. We'll likely crash out of the world Cup at the 5th or 6th position, that's the only time questions will be asked.

 

[Dark_Horse]

Praise and criticise seeing the performance not the domicile or looks. Azhar was equally poor but still the margins were lower in lost games plus he had vastly inferior team with being a yes man.

 

[aukhan]

Another thread to divert and shift opinion away from Inzamam and selection committee.

The way people are reacting its though Pakistan has collapsed for the first time this is happening for 4 years now before Sarfraz and Arthur were captain and coach.

Certain batsmen not being dropped are sinking the job of the bowlers on whom our team is surviving.
If Sarfraz was not there Pakistan would've collapsed under 100. Can't blame Sarfraz for batting collapses again and again.

This kind of bullcrap to divert blame from Inzamam who again today rushed the selections for RSA tour, is just ludicrous.

If sarfraz has no say in the selection process then he should resign immediately. It also proves that he is spineless as Captain.

 

[Dark_Horse]

Another thread to divert and shift opinion away from Inzamam and selection committee.

The way people are reacting its though Pakistan has collapsed for the first time this is happening for 4 years now before Sarfraz and Arthur were captain and coach.

Certain batsmen not being dropped are sinking the job of the bowlers on whom our team is surviving.
If Sarfraz was not there Pakistan would've collapsed under 100. Can't blame Sarfraz for batting collapses again and again.

This kind of bullcrap to divert blame from Inzamam who again today rushed the selections for RSA tour, is just ludicrous.

It’s not the 4th innings collapse but the 2nd innings lead which could have been easily more had captain and co taken responsibility and scored since Pakistan was at top

 

[Dark_Horse]

If sarfraz has no say in the selection process then he should resign immediately. It also proves that he is spineless as Captain.

Absolutely right be responsible or go home

 

[CadPakFan]

I've been a blind Sarfraz supporter all the way up until now, but now even I can say Sarfraz has to go.

 

[JaanZeb]

[MENTION=147662]Dark_Horse[/MENTION]

Yes they lost in the 2nd innings. But Sarfraz bats at no. 7. Pakistan has started every innings with 2 wickets down. Apart from Azhar and Sohail there is no batting there. Babar Azam is another mental midget who is being invested even though his average has been in the 20s for most of his test career. Shadab Khan and to certain extent Faheem were Pakistan's lower batting order. There absence has damaged the team. And who is responsible for that? Who is selecting his nephew and friend Hafeez for the crucial opening slot? If Sarfraz has a say inb it then absolutely he should go. But what I know is Arthur and Sarfraz do not interfere at all in the selection of squad due to PCB's tilt towards Inzamam.

A person like Arthur will never tolerate Imam being pushed back into the squad for the difficult SA tour.

 

[Savak]

[MENTION=147662]Dark_Horse[/MENTION]

Yes they lost in the 2nd innings. But Sarfraz bats at no. 7. Pakistan has started every innings with 2 wickets down. Apart from Azhar and Sohail there is no batting there. Babar Azam is another mental midget who is being invested even though his average has been in the 20s for most of his test career. Shadab Khan and to certain extent Faheem were Pakistan's lower batting order. There absence has damaged the team. And who is responsible for that? Who is selecting his nephew and friend Hafeez for the crucial opening slot? If Sarfraz has a say inb it then absolutely he should go. But what I know is Arthur and Sarfraz do not interfere at all in the selection of squad due to PCB's tilt towards Inzamam.

A person like Arthur will never tolerate Imam being pushed back into the squad for the difficult SA tour.

Not sure why Inzamam gets a lot of stick, he in many interviews has said that he gives the captain and coach the players they want, he selects the squad of 16 based on their wishes and demands and then it is up to the captain and coach on what to do with the squad of 16. Mickey Arthur did not select Bilal Asif and Asghar against Sri Lanka in 2017 twice in a row. Pakistan did not select sufficient spinners in the Asia Cup squad in 2018 but that was the squad that Mickey Arthur demanded, in fact Inzi had to specially fly out to UAE to demand that the team management include Junaid Khan for the Bangladesh game and we also saw the results in front of us.

Inzi has done a good job as selector of supporting the captain and coach. The captain and coach deserve most of the stick for poor squad selections.

 

[Mamoon]

The question is what are the alternatives in the present squad?

Have seen enough of Azhar Ali to know he is not captaincy material. In fact i am even questioning whether Pakistan is wise enough to persist with Azhar now knowing he will not get any better as a player, will always be a timid player and is also carrying a knee problem which may limit his playing career now.

Asad Shafiq they say is a decent domestic captain but he is far too inconsistent as a player?

Barring these two, there are just no alternatives but even i now conceede that having no alternatives is no excuse for continuing with Sarfaraz either, he is clearly exploiting this situation unchallenged

That is something that needs to be dealt with later. The precedence should be that if you are not performing as a player and the team is losing, you will be out of the door.

 

[JaanZeb]

[MENTION=2501]Savak[/MENTION]

If he gives captain aand coach the players they want then why does'nt he select alternative or opening options for the current batting?

If Mickey ARthur and Sarfraz had a say in the squad they would've allowed a reserve for every player.

Arthur had stated that he wishes to see younger batting options instead of 32+ yet Hafeez was selected and sent
They would never have needed to change batting positions for Azhar ALi and others.

This has been well known in interviews that captian and coach do not interfere in selectors domain.

I've posted in length in my thread how he has been fitting in his favorites in the opening slot for last 2-3 years. And very limited no. of players have been selected for 1-3 positions.

 

[Hasan123]

What's happening?

When were we ever so bad as a Test nation?

Is it our worse period as a cricketing nation?

Knocked out of the Asia Cup, lost a home series to Sri Lanka, now lost a home series to New Zealand.

Won only 2 matches, 1 draw.

[MENTION=138254]Syed1[/MENTION] was trying go show stats that Sarfraz is a better captain than Misbah in tests. These are embarrassing stats. Can't even beat NZ at home and drew against a rubbish Australian team

Beat captain since IK you told us [MENTION=138254]Syed1[/MENTION]. You clearly support him more than the team. Hillairious how you go into hiding when your precious leader is under the pump.

 

[Markhor]

The question is what are the alternatives in the present squad?

Have seen enough of Azhar Ali to know he is not captaincy material. In fact i am even questioning whether Pakistan is wise enough to persist with Azhar now knowing he will not get any better as a player, will always be a timid player and is also carrying a knee problem which may limit his playing career now.

Asad Shafiq they say is a decent domestic captain but he is far too inconsistent as a player?

Barring these two, there are just no alternatives but even i now conceede that having no alternatives is no excuse for continuing with Sarfaraz either, he is clearly exploiting this situation unchallenged

Fakhar Zaman has domestic captaincy experience and is one of the few who merits a spot in all three formats. He also has the required "seniority" for the position being in his late 20s.

This is not an ethnic issue - I'd sooner have Fawad Alam captain than Sarfraz. The problem is a captain needs to justify their own place in the team and Sarfraz is not doing that. How can he criticise others for lacklustre performances when his batting contributions as captain have been nonexistent ?

 

[wasimjunior]

Another thread to divert and shift opinion away from Inzamam and selection committee.

The way people are reacting its though Pakistan has collapsed for the first time this is happening for 4 years now before Sarfraz and Arthur were captain and coach.

Certain batsmen not being dropped are sinking the job of the bowlers on whom our team is surviving.
If Sarfraz was not there Pakistan would've collapsed under 100. Can't blame Sarfraz for batting collapses again and again.

This kind of bullcrap to divert blame from Inzamam who again today rushed the selections for RSA tour, is just ludicrous.

Selections are fine. I’ve been on pakpassion for over 12 years and the players not picked are always somehow better than the team.

Fact is we lost two games which we had practically won. That isn’t about the Players, it’s about bottle, hunger, professionalism, tactics and leadership.

Sarfraz just screams and shouts whilst his own performance is rubbish. No other changes needed in my opinion.

I’d even keep him as a player as we don’t have any alternatives. Rizwan is worse

 

[shah_1]

He is Pakistan's best test batsman since 2018, he will prove this in the next series as w3ll.

Babar will be the next captain after the WC

 

[JaanZeb]

[MENTION=134250]wasimjunior[/MENTION]

Yasir Shah dropped Kane Williamson twice, Imam dropped Nicholls, how many times Sarfraz shouted or screamed?

There was'nt scream or even chanting, there shoulders were down after NZ crossed 120 as the bowlers and captain were afraid of their batting lineup made up of Imams and Hafeezs than the NZ target.

We all watch matches and then write our opinion. Similar team of NZ A toured with this team and faced Pakistan A on similar pitches. Please check the Pakistan A performances and compare with our loser batting lineup. This is where selectors exposed themselves. Pakistan A played 2 matches and not one batting collapse they comfortably made 350-400 at average facing the same Wagner infront of whom are seniors like Asad Shafiq, imam legs start shaking.

 

[sully3]

Mohammed Rizwan is easily the best keeper batsman in Pakistan and those who doubt need their heads tested.

give Rizwaan the same chances Sarfraz has got in the last 10 years and you will have a player with a much better batting record then Sarfraz and their keeping isnt even a debate. Rizwan is a super fit flawless modern day keeper where is sarfraz is an unfit 90's style keeper who puts more effort in shouting at his team mates then actually keeping.

 

[Madplayer]

Fakhar Zamaan should be groomed to take over captaincy sooner rather than later in all formats.

 

[JaanZeb]

He is Pakistan's best test batsman since 2018, he will prove this in the next series as w3ll.

Babar will be the next captain after the WC

If we descent downwards so much that Babar Azam becomes captain, no Pakistani batsman 1-5 would average more than 32. Thus more pressure on bowlers to bat, bowl, field the team to win against opponents.

Babbar Azam screwed team twice. One in Asia Cup against india and day before yesterday getting out pathetically exposing the tail. His dismissal destroyed Pakistan's chances to reach a 400. He failed again and again against SL, UK and his average before UAE tours was not even 23. Another cheap selection by inzamam

 

[shah_1]

If we descent downwards so much that Babar Azam becomes captain, no Pakistani batsman 1-5 would average more than 32. Thus more pressure on bowlers to bat, bowl, field the team to win against opponents.

Babbar Azam screwed team twice. One in Asia Cup against india and day before yesterday getting out pathetically exposing the tail. His dismissal destroyed Pakistan's chances to reach a 400. He failed again and again against SL, UK and his average before UAE tours was not even 23. Another cheap selection by inzamam

He averages almost 60 in 2018, easily Pakistan's best batsman. He will prove in South Africa as well. Just wait and watch

 

[shah_1]

If we descent downwards so much that Babar Azam becomes captain, no Pakistani batsman 1-5 would average more than 32. Thus more pressure on bowlers to bat, bowl, field the team to win against opponents.

Babbar Azam screwed team twice. One in Asia Cup against india and day before yesterday getting out pathetically exposing the tail. His dismissal destroyed Pakistan's chances to reach a 400. He failed again and again against SL, UK and his average before UAE tours was not even 23. Another cheap selection by inzamam

Reality check for you, Babar is not our problem right now.

http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=1;spanmin1=01+jan+2018;spanval1=span;team=7;template=results;type=batting

 

[JaanZeb]

[MENTION=130419]shah_1[/MENTION]

Why don't you post unfiltered results and see how many chances Azam has got and how long was he on average range between 15 and 25. If he was such a supremem player he would'nt be demoted to play at no. 6 just to avoid the new ball.
A mental midget who milks good starts even in that he failed in yesterday and left Sarfraz to make 80+ runs with a vulnerable tail, which eventually lost us the match.

These stats can't decipher the overall contributions in the total. The player in top 4 slots actually are more crucial for any batting side to post good totals. This high-investment midget is not even playing there.

 

[navin]

Wasn't he supposedly a better captain then Virat Kohli?

 

[Hawkeye]

[MENTION=138254]Syed1[/MENTION] was trying go show stats that Sarfraz is a better captain than Misbah in tests. These are embarrassing stats. Can't even beat NZ at home and drew against a rubbish Australian team

Beat captain since IK you told us [MENTION=138254]Syed1[/MENTION]. You clearly support him more than the team. Hillairious how you go into hiding when your precious leader is under the pump.

Very annoying two fans. Sarf needs to be dumped for his non performance. Captaincy comes way later.

 

[shah_1]

[MENTION=130419]shah_1[/MENTION]

Why don't you post unfiltered results and see how many chances Azam has got and how long was he on average range between 15 and 25. If he was such a supremem player he would'nt be demoted to play at no. 6 just to avoid the new ball.
A mental midget who milks good starts even in that he failed in yesterday and left Sarfraz to make 80+ runs with a vulnerable tail, which eventually lost us the match.

These stats can't decipher the overall contributions in the total. The player in top 4 slots actually are more crucial for any batting side to post good totals. This high-investment midget is not even playing there.

He will eventually be promoted

 

[happydavy]

At what stage, would Pakistan fans blame bowlers for not taking wickets or batsman for not scoring runs? Not saying that Sarfaraz isn't at fault but why blame him for every loss.

Yasir Shah dropped Williamson twice, didn't create any impact in the 2nd inning on a turning pitch, yet he doesn't get any grief from fans?

 

[sjahmed23]

Sarfraz has become obnoxious and needs to be let go. His style of leadership isnt helping anyone and I would rather see someone be groomed even if we suck for a while than to see this circus clown continue.

 

[wasimjunior]

[MENTION=134250]wasimjunior[/MENTION]

Yasir Shah dropped Kane Williamson twice, Imam dropped Nicholls, how many times Sarfraz shouted or screamed?

There was'nt scream or even chanting, there shoulders were down after NZ crossed 120 as the bowlers and captain were afraid of their batting lineup made up of Imams and Hafeezs than the NZ target.

We all watch matches and then write our opinion. Similar team of NZ A toured with this team and faced Pakistan A on similar pitches. Please check the Pakistan A performances and compare with our loser batting lineup. This is where selectors exposed themselves. Pakistan A played 2 matches and not one batting collapse they comfortably made 350-400 at average facing the same Wagner infront of whom are seniors like Asad Shafiq, imam legs start shaking.

Do you realise the a games are played on a phatta tiny nursery ground? You are comparing apples and pears.

Sarfraz didn’t shout at anyone.. he just decided to let Kane and Henry take singles and when the new ball was available he refused to take it. Those two hours yesterday through Sarfraz captaincy are the sole reason why we lost.

Where the concept of players is concerned- who exactly would you drop? Asad Shafiq And Hafeez are the only batsmen who don’t deserve to be in the side but Shafiq scores runs every now and again to hold on.

Hafeez excluded everybody else makes the best Pakistan available side.
If this team was so bad they wouldn’t have cruised to winning positions in the first place.

This loss is down to lack of guts and a horrible leader who cannot inspire. Same for the first test

 

[Eagle_Eye]

Sarfraz should just realise for himself and hand in his resignation.... it was a nice gig, you have done well out of it for someone so mediocre.

 

[basitmian]

I think for ODI and T20, Sarfraz is ok.

But for Tests, we need a different Captain. Even Azhar or Asad is ok.

Afterall, WCs are for ODI and T20.

 

[Cric_lover4487]

Some of his decisions were baffling. Hafeez as opener didn’t made sense to me considering he being a sitting duck vs moving ball. Truth be told, there is serious lack of quality in Pak batting. They will score 100’s here n there but playing clutch knocks under pressure are alien to them. This generation of Pak batsman has never seen anyone playing such Innings for Pak. Maybe I am overreacting but I guess the art of batting in test cricket is gone. It’s all about T20s these days.

 

[Mainul]

His attitude changed since the CT 17 win. He stopped working hard and it showed in his batting and aproach towards the game. This series loss is his fault only. He needs a danda lets hope Mickey will give him the danda he is long deserving.

I also think so. CT win made him reluctant instead of making him more energetic.Mickey himself needs a danda blow behind his back

 

[PakPremi]

To be honest the fault here is not of any individual but collective. The management (captain, selectors, coaches) have not been brave enough to try out some young players. Losing FZ was bad luck but playing Hafeez in all matches against NZ despite failing three innings against Australia was real dumb. Places are given in the team to players if they are seniors despite having poor averages. We will not succeed till teams are selected on merit and without personal relationship with players.

 

[PakPremi]

I also think so. CT win made him reluctant instead of making him more energetic.Mickey himself needs a danda blow behind his back

Nothing do with CT Sarfraz fitness and wicket keeping is as good as ever. It was dumb decision to give your wicketkeeper in three format captaincy in three format as well unless he has batting capability of Dhoni or Sangakara.

 

[ikky47]

Sarfaraz must be replaced however it is unfair for a new captain to tour SA so if he fails in SA which he most likely will then he must be removed from the captaincy.. I would say why not give test captaincy to someone like Abbas? It may sound out of the box but historically Pakistan have tended to do well when they have had bowlers as captain.

 

[umerz]

What's happening?

When were we ever so bad as a Test nation?

Is it our worse period as a cricketing nation?

Knocked out of the Asia Cup, lost a home series to Sri Lanka, now lost a home series to New Zealand.

Won only 2 matches, 1 draw.

Yes Sarfraz is responsible but lets face it our team is very average