Wasim Akram backs Sarfaraz Ahmed to lead Pakistan at the 2019 World Cup

[MenInG]

Former Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram has backed wicket-keeper batsman Sarfaraz Ahmed to be at the helm of the team till the World Cup.

Akram said that with very less time to go for the World Cup, there is no better alternative available to replace Sarfaraz.

“We no longer have the time to change the captain. Sarfraz is a passionate captain and also there is no alternative choice available,” The Express Tribune quoted Akram, as saying.

Sarfaraz is handed over a four-match suspension by the International Cricket Council (ICC) following his racial remarks against South African pacerAndile Phehlukwayoduring their second ODI in Durban.

Following the ban, Sarfaraz was called back to Pakistan by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Akram said that decision to call Sarfaraz back is not a good one adding that the right-hand batsman has admitted his mistake and that he “won’t repeat such a thing in future”.

“Sarfaraz made a mistake but he admitted it and hopefully won’t repeat such a thing in the future. Calling him back from the tour is not a good decision,” Akram said.

In Sarfaraz’s absence, PCB has named Shoaib Malik as the stand-in skipper. On this, Akram said that Malik has proved his leadership abilities in past but Pakistan should focus on the long-term policy as the right-hand batsman has already announced that he would retire after the 2019 World Cup.

“We should focus on long-term policy making rather than short-term. Malik captained the side well in the fourth ODI but he has already said that he will retire from ODI cricket after World Cup 2019,” he said.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...n-world-cup/story-3XxlZlYBuTjcXLgqDMeKjN.html

 

[rhony]

No surprises. Teams won't change the captain this close to the world cup. Especially the case considering the way Pak played in this series. Also, Malik is barely hanging on to his spot so Sarf's performance doesn't come into the equation.

 

[BDfanforever]

It will not be good idea to put Sarfaraz as WC captain. World Cup is a place for globalization of the game and has zero tolerance for racial slur.

 

[Snowflake]

Finally, a sane voice in all this drama.

 

[PakPremi]

It will not be good idea to put Sarfaraz as WC captain. World Cup is a place for globalization of the game and has zero tolerance for racial slur.

You are saying as if Sarfraz is a racist. He was just foolish to make a racist remark( not viewed as such in sub continent) while getting carried away with his shouting . He has few personality issues and is little hyper and emotional. It would be good for Pak to replace him with another captain for World Cup .

 

[Snowflake]

You are saying as if Sarfraz is a racist. He was just foolish to make a racist remark( not viewed as such in sub continent) while getting carried away with his shouting . He has few personality issues and is little hyper and emotional. It would be good for Pak to replace him with another captain for World Cup .

Most here either do not understand racism or are too detached from the Pakistani culture to make the distinction between what Sarfaraz said and what racism is.

 

[topspin]

As much as I admire Wasim Akram for the memories he has brought to us, this is a response of a man who doesn't want to contribute for the greater good of Pakistan cricket. He is merely content to take his fat paycheck, so he can enjoy his retirement income.

 

[PakPremi]

Most here either do not understand racism or are too detached from the Pakistani culture to make the distinction between what Sarfaraz said and what racism is.

It's more who said it and of course what he said was wrong. It maybe blessing in disguise.

 

[Pete Rose]

Wasim getting it out there, perhaps because the other members of the biryani committee will want to remove Sarfaraz

 

[gazza619]

I think Wasim has lost it. I give Waqar’s comments more weight.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

or are too detached from the Pakistani culture to make the distinction between what Sarfaraz said and what racism is.

Apart from the usual suspects this is the reason behind the backlash.

Nothing offensive but i feel people here (majority) are detached from Pakistani culture. Many dont speak Urdu in daily life. And, apart from few, those who live in Pakistan/ recently moved out for studies etc seem to be from upper class or elite backgrounds.

So it is a bit understandable as Pakistan has a different culture. But not in case of serial suspects who in past have called Sarfraz as midget, hobbit, totla and attacked his looks but now behaving like Holy Cows.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

 

[Usman Chadda]

Apart from the usual suspects this is the reason behind the backlash.

Nothing offensive but i feel people here (majority) are detached from Pakistani culture. Many dont speak Urdu in daily life. And, apart from few, those who live in Pakistan/ recently moved out for studies etc seem to be from upper class or elite backgrounds.

So it is a bit understandable as Pakistan has a different culture. But not in case of serial suspects who in past have called Sarfraz as midget, hobbit, totla and attacked his looks but now behaving like Holy Cows.

Sarfraz only has himself to blame for these Holy Cows to be on his back right now. He is struggling for runs, he is struggling for wins and now he has gone off and said something incredibly stupid to an opposition player.

The best way to shut these people up is by improving his individual performance, aswell as his demeanor on the field. Unfortunately, he continues to flounder and rightfully deserves the criticism coming his way.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Sarfraz only has himself to blame for these Holy Cows to be on his back right now. He is struggling for runs, he is struggling for wins and now he has gone off and said something incredibly stupid to an opposition player.

The best way to shut these people up is by improving his individual performance, aswell as his demeanor on the field. Unfortunately, he continues to flounder and rightfully deserves the criticism coming his way.

What you said is true apart from the OTT reaction by usual suspects. Criticism his game all you want (frankly his poor performance deserves it) but why linking his game to what he said to Phulekwayo and taking it as an opportunity to vent your frustration.

 

[moghul]

Wasim looks like has not been watching cricket lately.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Wasim is just talking about what is inevitably going to happen.

Replacement of a captain will NOT be done so close to the World Cup.

Unless PCB does PCB.

 

[Majid Khan]

Wasim is just talking about what is inevitably going to happen.

Replacement of a captain will NOT be done so close to the World Cup.

Unless PCB does PCB.

What these guys are missing in all this is that you should always be selecting the best XI first and then the captain from that xI — but time and again with Pakistan even when a captain fails repeatedly at not just captaincy but performing as a player and becomes a burden on the team like Sarfraz is now - he still gets backed as captain.

And that is just talking about cricketing reasons to remove Sarfraz, never mind the other factors which if anything should make the decision easier.

The reality here is Sarfraz can score a duck and miss 3 stumpings or catches, for the next 10 games, and he would still remain captain for the World Cup — there is just no logic in this kind of stubborn backing of your captain. The day a player is only walking into the team because he’s captain is the day your team is playing with one less player... and mind you it’s not like he’s an Imran or Clive Lloyd as captain either.

 

[sivanand82]

What these guys are missing in all this is that you should always be selecting the best XI first and then the captain from that xI — but time and again with Pakistan even when a captain fails repeatedly at not just captaincy but performing as a player and becomes a burden on the team like Sarfraz is now - he still gets backed as captain.

And that is just talking about cricketing reasons to remove Sarfraz, never mind the other factors which if anything should make the decision easier.

The reality here is Sarfraz can score a duck and miss 3 stumpings or catches, for the next 10 games, and he would still remain captain for the World Cup — there is just no logic in this kind of stubborn backing of your captain. The day a player is only walking into the team because he’s captain is the day your team is playing with one less player... and mind you it’s not like he’s an Imran or Clive Lloyd as captain either.

But does Pakistan has a replacement for Safraz ,WK & Batsman with World-cup so close?

 

[Rayyman]

I back Sarfraz too. Excellent cricketer all-around. Brave streetfighter. Attacking batsman. Tidy keeper. Master tactician.

Needs to captain Pakistan in the WC.

 

[Pakhs]

I guess he knows about the alternatives (Rizwan)

 

[shabas]

With this match Rizwan made sure that Sarfraz cannot be removed from the team for next 2 years. If so he will captain WC and if semifinal is reached Sarfraz will captain till 2021.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

It's more who said it and of course what he said was wrong. It maybe blessing in disguise.

It is disappointing to see that you have turned against Sarfraz after an incident which happened in ignorance and now calling that he shouldnt be captain for WC. You were one of the only few who used to support Sarfraz but i guess became a victim of peer pressure.

I dont understand how the supporters like you now want Sarfraz out as captain of WC as just 2 years back he led us to glory from a no 8th ranked team on same venue? Regarding Sarfraz's remarks on Phulekwayo, yes he was stupid, he was a fool and he was ignorant but he was never RACIST! He did wrong and he got the punishment for 4 matches but why should he be sacked from captaincy after that?

You have to remember that Sarfraz is hot target of many haters here and some even fed likes of Junaids that what Sarfraz said was racist and in turn will show Pakistan as a racist country but you and me know this that we Pakistanis can be many things but are not racist (majority of us).

I guess we should always take our stand what we think is right and shouldn't change our opinion due to peer pressure. How can Malik become the best captain of Pakistan when just 2 matches back he was a liability and majority was calling for his removal. And how come he became a better captain than Sarfraz and should lead us in an important tournament like world cup when PCB has invested on Sarfraz for 2 years and he has a great record in global tournaments (WC 2015 and CT 2017). Just because of his ignorant comments against Phulekwayo (for which he is already punished) we should stop supporting him as captain for WC and join the long line of haters?

 

[coy0607]

I back Sarfraz too. Excellent cricketer all-around. Brave streetfighter. Attacking batsman. Tidy keeper. Master tactician.

Needs to captain Pakistan in the WC.

Safaraz had all those characteristics when he first became captain, was very promising

Hopefully this suspension is a good wake up call for him

 

[Usman Chadda]

What you said is true apart from the OTT reaction by usual suspects. Criticism his game all you want (frankly his poor performance deserves it) but why linking his game to what he said to Phulekwayo and taking it as an opportunity to vent your frustration.

It's unfortunate, but that's how our media and fans are. Sarfraz is the best wicket-keeper batsman in our country, and he needs to shoulder some responsibility and power through for Pakistan. He has lost focus and has succumbed to fear of failure. All of this criticism will go away, if he starts answering his critics with his performance.

 

[Hasan123]

If he is captain and we have more pathetic performances, he should resign.

 

[CadPakFan]

I back Sarfraz as well, I agree with Wasim, putting a new captain would put too much pressure on whoever it is and I'm pretty sure Malik won't be the best option as I believe Malik has said multiple times that he doesn't prefer to be captain.

 

[Syed1]

Sad moment for haters.


They were hoping and praying that tailender Rizwan does well but alas he is as garbage as the day he made his debut.


Sarfaraz is still the right guy to lead the team, however, he needs to improve his own performance with the bat. Use this time off to get his mind in order and take the PSL as an opportunity to fix his issues.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

It is disappointing to see that you have turned against Sarfraz after an incident which happened in ignorance and now calling that he shouldnt be captain for WC. You were one of the only few who used to support Sarfraz but i guess became a victim of peer pressure.

I dont understand how the supporters like you now want Sarfraz out as captain of WC as just 2 years back he led us to glory from a no 8th ranked team on same venue? Regarding Sarfraz's remarks on Phulekwayo, yes he was stupid, he was a fool and he was ignorant but he was never RACIST! He did wrong and he got the punishment for 4 matches but why should he be sacked from captaincy after that?

You have to remember that Sarfraz is hot target of many haters here and some even fed likes of Junaids that what Sarfraz said was racist and in turn will show Pakistan as a racist country but you and me know this that we Pakistanis can be many things but are not racist (majority of us).

I guess we should always take our stand what we think is right and shouldn't change our opinion due to peer pressure. How can Malik become the best captain of Pakistan when just 2 matches back he was a liability and majority was calling for his removal. And how come he became a better captain than Sarfraz and should lead us in an important tournament like world cup when PCB has invested on Sarfraz for 2 years and he has a great record in global tournaments (WC 2015 and CT 2017). Just because of his ignorant comments against Phulekwayo (for which he is already punished) we should stop supporting him as captain for WC and join the long line of haters?

I have remained neutral on Sarfraz for a long time.

But if he harbors any hope of winning us the WC or if you as a fan, have any hope that he can do it, he needs to do the following.

1. Stop shouting at players needlessly.

2. Improve his batting.

3. Don't tell the bowlers how to bowl the ball.

I he can fixate on those 3 issues, he might be accepted as a norm.

But you are asking a lot from many fans, that they should accept Sarfraz as he is, because he won the CT 17'.

However, we have been on a losing trend since the CT 17' and if Sarfraz is to be credited with winning the defunct event, than surely he must be blamed for putting the team on a downward spiral since NZ.

What you people seem to think is that when the team wins, its the captains tactics and genius, but when it loses, the captain is not much to blame. I could almost agree with that. But a non-performing captain is not taken seriously by anyone, let alone team members.

 

[Mirpur express]

Akram never fails to surprise you lol Sarfraz can’t walk back into the team with his recent horrible performances never mind captain the side *

 

[Destroyer88]

Akram never fails to surprise you lol Sarfraz can’t walk back into the team with his recent horrible performances never mind captain the side *

Just a question, who do you think should lead the team? I mean who is the next leader we have?

 

[Invincible Gujjar]

Wasim is really a poor analyst. That guy don't make team on merit even his captaincy skills are way too overrated.He can't lead a team.He only yells and shouts at his teammates. Pathetic individual.

 

[Destroyer88]

The only issue is we dont have anyone else to lead the team. Hafeez at best could be your only option. Malik as we all know may have ltd captaincy skills, he may be a good team member or a motivator but to think like modern captains is maybe not him. With ibly a few months left i am not sure if chaning the skipper now be beneficial but then who needs a captain for this team. Its already being cpatained by micky

 

[nitrous]

Sad moment for haters.


They were hoping and praying that tailender Rizwan does well but alas he is as garbage as the day he made his debut.


Sarfaraz is still the right guy to lead the team, however, he needs to improve his own performance with the bat. Use this time off to get his mind in order and take the PSL as an opportunity to fix his issues.

Will be a sad movement for you when after the World Cup he gets forced to step down as a captain! He is nothing less than another shameless individual, clinging onto this spot, when he doesn’t merit a place in the team himself as a player!

Why do you keep talking rubbish and so biased when it comes to Sarfaraz? Oh wait, we all know why!!!

If it were up to you, you would slot Asad “look at me and my technique” Shafiq, into this ODI team.

Right now Sarfaraz is doing what all seniors have done to the team, clinging onto the spot and don’t know when to leave gracefully, until they get booted out by the PCB.. that’s the path that he is going at.. he should step down as a captain and concentrate on his batting ...

But, oh wait.. he is a control freak who can’t let go of his possessiveness of younger players by shouting at them, only to stroke his ego.

 

[Mirpur express]

Just a question, who do you think should lead the team? I mean who is the next leader we have?

Tbh anyone other then Sarfraz & Hafeez which leaves us with Malik for now but guys like Imad can be groomed for future captaincy

 

[slipcatch]

He was when he was an attacking captain, now he is slowly turning in to a conservative/defensive captain.

Pakistan is a weak team, for Pakistan to win a World Cup, they'll have to play an attacking/offensive game.

 

[Pete Rose]

He was when he was an attacking captain, now he is slowly turning in to a conservative/defensive captain.

Pakistan is a weak team, for Pakistan to win a World Cup, they'll have to play an attacking/offensive game.

what is attacking cricket, objectively?

 

[slipcatch]

what is attacking cricket, objectively?

Trying to get a wicket on every ball instead of containing the score.

 

[Pete Rose]

Trying to get a wicket on every ball instead of containing the score.

How is that visibly demonstrated. And do you think South Africa lost the 4th one dayer because they didn’t look to get Pakistan out with ‘attacking’ cricket

 

[MenInG]

Former cricketers Wasim Akram and Zaheer Abbas on Friday criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) policy of selecting captains on a 'series-to-series basis' as revealed by the board's spokesperson on Wednesday.

The PCB is yet to decide who will lead the national side in the one-day international (ODI) series against Australia in March/April. Meanwhile, the captain, Sarfraz Ahmed, has been benched with a four-match suspension over 'racist remarks' made during a match against South Africa.

Speaking to reporters following a Pakistan Super League event in Karachi, Akram questioned the merit of having such a policy.

"Nowhere in the world does such a policy exist ... I'm very [much] against it ... it makes no sense," he said.

The fast bowling legend added: "The World Cup is around the corner. We don't have the time to change the captain. The boys are set ... they should know who their leader is (going into another series) instead of them [the board] changing the leader after every series."

"I think it's very wrong for Pakistan and Pakistani cricket," he continued.

Akram remarked that "there is no communication between the PCB and media right now because it is not a good time to talk about changing captains. If I ask the cricket committee, they too will [support] retaining Sarfraz Ahmed".

"Ehsan Mani is new to PCB, he'll take some time to understand the scenario," he said while commenting on the PCB chairman's reaction to Sarfraz's suspension.

Mani had called into question the International Cricket Council's decision to suspend Sarfraz, saying the governing body's bureaucratic process had overruled common sense.

Former cricketer Zaheer Abbas, known fondly as the 'Asian Bradman', was also present at the PSL event.

While talking to the media, Abbas said the ban on Sarfraz "will be a blessing in disguise because he needed the rest".

"I am sure he will come back with an improved focus and perform better," he said.

Abbas too was of the opinion that the PCB should announce the captain for the World Cup because it was high time that the decision was made.

Sarfraz's ban

In the second ODI played between Pakistan and South Africa, Sarfraz was heard making controversial remarks directed at batsman Andile Phehlukwayo.

As Phehlukwayo got lucky despite playing a risky shot, a stump mic picked up Sarfraz saying: "Hey black [man], where is your mother sitting? What prayer did you get her to say for you today?" (Abay kaalay, teri ammi aaj kahan baitheen hain? Kya parhwa ke aya hai aaj tu?)

Following backlash, the skipper apologised to the South African team, and personally expressed regret over the incident to Phehlukwayo, who accepted his apology.

The skipper was then handed a four-match suspension by the ICC on Jan 27 for breaching its Anti-Racism Code. Soon after the announcement by the council, the PCB released a statement, saying it was "disappointed with ICC's decision".

https://www.dawn.com/news/1461218

 

[MMHS]

This series by series appointment is just to keep pressure on captain so that he remains a yes man. In reality, Sarfraz is leading the team in 3 formats for close to two years now with team’s performance (I know T20I ranking, reason as well) & his individual from has been rock bottom.

They in fact didn’t appoint a deputy either & didn’t select a back up WK to keep him comfortable. Wasim is just making some unnecessary noises to show his Karachi loyalty when truth is that Sarfraz will lead PAK in WC, as long as he can keep standing without support.

 

[Stark]

What is a bit of derogatory remark against a colored person when proven spot fixer was hailed and ushered into the team on the double.

 

[AMSS]

Akram was spot on about lack of options after Sarfaraz.