Will Sarfaraz Ahmed's friendship with Asad Shafiq and Anwar Ali hurt Pakistan in the future?

[Slog]

Asad Shafiq, Anwar Ali and Sarfaraz have been friends since they were 14-15 years old and played club and departmental cricket together since under 17/19 days. And its pretty obvious that they are best buds if you follow their social media accounts.

And all that is fine obviously.

But to me it always has seemed Sarfaraz has always had a deference for his buddies and they almost always find a place in the team whenever he has had influence.

Case in point how Anwar Ali became a regular when Sarfaraz assumed t20 captaincy.

And now somehow Shafiq is a regular in PSL.

Also the funny coincidence last year how all three ended in the same team at possible expense of other better options for Quetta.

Hopefully when Sarfaraz assumes full time captaincy he seperates friendship from international cricket decisions

 

[marlonbrowndo]

Sarfraz is tactically very good but if he favours his rubbish friends then we will be number 10 in ODIs soon. Some people won't admit it but he is the reason Quetta have some awful local selections. Really hope he has absolutely no say in selection so he can't turn our ODI team into Sarfraz friends 11 with Asad Shafiq and Anwar ali opening the batting and bowling respectively.

 

[badsha001]

If Sarfraz can win matches for Pakistan with anwar ali and asad shafiq then I dont think anyone should have a problem.

It seems like most people will have problem because they don't want karachi lobby to have that much say in PCB...

 

[Zohaib Shah]

I don't think they will be part of our squad.

 

[Mobashir]

If Sarfraz can win matches for Pakistan with anwar ali and asad shafiq then I dont think anyone should have a problem.

It seems like most people will have problem because they don't want karachi lobby to have that much say in PCB...

Poory comment!
No one talked about Karachi or Lahore.
Asad Shafik and Anwar Ali are not deserving players.

Already the fact that Shafik is playing for Gladiators and Umar Amin isn't shows there is a problem.

 

[Madplayer]

If Sarfraz can win matches for Pakistan with anwar ali and asad shafiq then I dont think anyone should have a problem.

It seems like most people will have problem because they don't want karachi lobby to have that much say in PCB...

Maybe he will win you matches with anwar and co. but what is he going to leave behind as a team when he retires???

 

[spade]

I actually like Anwar Ali he's a terrific fielder and if he can save 10 runs, effect a few runouts, he can be very useful also his batting down the order isn't the worst, he can bowl a few overs upfront and then comeback in the middle overs once the fielding restrictions are over. Overall a useful option, given there are no better alternatives in your squad, he can do a job.

 

[msb314]

Asad Shafiq, Anwar Ali and Sarfaraz have been friends since they were 14-15 years old and played club and departmental cricket together since under 17/19 days. And its pretty obvious that they are best buds if you follow their social media accounts.

And all that is fine obviously.

But to me it always has seemed Sarfaraz has always had a deference for his buddies and they almost always find a place in the team whenever he has had influence.

Case in point how Anwar Ali became a regular when Sarfaraz assumed t20 captaincy.

And now somehow Shafiq is a regular in PSL.

Also the funny coincidence last year how all three ended in the same team at possible expense of other better options for Quetta.

Hopefully when Sarfaraz assumes full time captaincy he seperates friendship from international cricket decisions

Sarfraz is tactically very good but if he favours his rubbish friends then we will be number 10 in ODIs soon. Some people won't admit it but he is the reason Quetta have some awful local selections. Really hope he has absolutely no say in selection so he can't turn our ODI team into Sarfraz friends 11 with Asad Shafiq and Anwar ali opening the batting and bowling respectively.

I don't mind Anwar Ali as a number 8 batsman in ODI's.

Yes - he will never be a front line bowler but can be useful as a utility player - certainly better than Nawaz imo.

 

[Mir jibran]

Asad Shafiq, Anwar Ali and Sarfaraz have been friends since they were 14-15 years old and played club and departmental cricket together since under 17/19 days. And its pretty obvious that they are best buds if you follow their social media accounts.

And all that is fine obviously.

But to me it always has seemed Sarfaraz has always had a deference for his buddies and they almost always find a place in the team whenever he has had influence.

Case in point how Anwar Ali became a regular when Sarfaraz assumed t20 captaincy.

And now somehow Shafiq is a regular in PSL.

Also the funny coincidence last year how all three ended in the same team at possible expense of other better options for Quetta.

Hopefully when Sarfaraz assumes full time captaincy he seperates friendship from international cricket decisions

sorry but you are wrong
anwar hasnt played for national t20 team under sarfaraz

 

[MRSN]

on merit the likes of Umar Amin and Luke Wright should be playing ahead of Asad Shafiq in a t20 team.

 

[todfod 11]

i think if Sarafarz can get the best out of them and they can play for pak and win matches then I have no problems.
Sometimes friendship does help..

 

[Sports_Psychologist]

[MENTION=138463]Slog[/MENTION] as long as a strong selector like Inzamam is there I dont think so, it these players perform in domestic and are on merit in the team that's one thing but I don't think Sarfaraz will be able to treat International 11 like ghar ki team!!

 

[badsha001]

Misbhah Friends XI reach us to number 1 Spot in tests... So why can't Sarfraz Friends XI take us to some respectable ranking in limited cricket?

 

[Syed1]

I wish such threads were also made when Misbah was playing his friends and favourites.

 

[waleed88]

Asad Shafiq, Anwar Ali and Sarfaraz have been friends since they were 14-15 years old and played club and departmental cricket together since under 17/19 days. And its pretty obvious that they are best buds if you follow their social media accounts.

And all that is fine obviously.

But to me it always has seemed Sarfaraz has always had a deference for his buddies and they almost always find a place in the team whenever he has had influence.

Case in point how Anwar Ali became a regular when Sarfaraz assumed t20 captaincy.

And now somehow Shafiq is a regular in PSL.

Also the funny coincidence last year how all three ended in the same team at possible expense of other better options for Quetta.

Hopefully when Sarfaraz assumes full time captaincy he seperates friendship from international cricket decisions

Maybe he sees something in them, being a captain he does get some say in decision making, but don't think he can achieve heights if he stays rigid with his decisions, he will have to learn to obey orders from the top which means understanding and listening to chief selectors/coaches

 

[fasihulhaq94]

i like how the op made up the fact that anwar ali became part of the t20 squad when sarfraz got the captaincy

 

[waleed88]

I wish such threads were also made when Misbah was playing his friends and favourites.

Misbah did play his favorites but he also played players he didn't like, for eg.. Shahid Afridi, an ever present thorn in his captaincy, and for him to keep it amicable between them despite Afridi activatively lobbying against Misbah's captaincy is Misbah's greatest strength, he's kept it respectful with his friends as well as his enemies

 

[Syed1]

Misbah did play his favorites but he also played players he didn't like, for eg.. Shahid Afridi, an ever present thorn in his captaincy, and for him to keep it amicable between them despite Afridi activatively lobbying against Misbah's captaincy is Misbah's greatest strength, he's kept it respectful with his friends as well as his enemies

Nothing to suggest that Sarf won't do the same.

 

[waleed88]

Nothing to suggest that Sarf won't do the same.

Captains do get a say in selection, when someone becomes captain, all the good and the bad come with it..
If Anwar Ali and Shafiq get selected, but fail to produce, the public pressure will be such that you can't keep that player in the team..

Misbah couldn't select Ajmal when he found out Ajmal is not the same with a changed action.. same with Hafeez he hasn't selected him in Tests after he performed poorly in England.. captain has to be accountable in his actions..

Hafeez had to be dropped from Test Matches too after a poor run in 2013

 

[Syed1]

Captains do get a say in selection, when someone becomes captain, all the good and the bad come with it..
If Anwar Ali and Shafiq get selected, but fail to produce, the public pressure will be such that you can't keep that player in the team..

Misbah couldn't select Ajmal when he found out Ajmal is not the same with a changed action.. same with Hafeez he hasn't selected him in Tests after he performed poorly in England.. captain has to be accountable in his actions..

Hafeez had to be dropped from Test Matches too after a poor run in 2013

Asad Shafiq is also Azhar Ali's buddy and this friendship is why he was in the ODI squad in Australia. I didn't see any threads complaining of why Azhar is picking his friends?


Why are we setting one set of rules for one captain but the same rules didn't even apply to his immediate predecessor.

 

[Asif321]

who would you play instead of Anwar ? they dont have any option , Gul will get smashed and doesnt offer anything with bat
Shafiq didnt play last year . playing mills , kp, perera and rille . so who will sit out for luke ?
either bismillah or umar amin are the alternatives

 

[Abdullah]

Asad Shafiq is also Azhar Ali's buddy and this friendship is why he was in the ODI squad in Australia. I didn't see any threads complaining of why Azhar is picking his friends?


Why are we setting one set of rules for one captain but the same rules didn't even apply to his immediate predecessor.

because lots of us r hoping sarfaraz is the long term solution, whereas we knew that azhar is probably a goner after aus tour, so we gave azhar the free hit

 

[Deception]

on merit the likes of Umar Amin and Luke Wright should be playing ahead of Asad Shafiq in a t20 team.

Exactly its sad to see Umar Amin benched ahead of Asad shafiq or even Saad Nasim.
Asad shafiq won't be dropped that easily when he has his karachi boss Moin khan n best buddy Sarfarz Ahmed

 

[badsha001]

Exactly its sad to see Umar Amin benched ahead of Asad shafiq or even Saad Nasim.
Asad shafiq won't be dropped that easily when he has his karachi boss Moin khan n best buddy Sarfarz Ahmed

Atleast Karachi people took Umar Amin in the squad, otherwise he would been watching PSL from Pakistan...

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Case in point how Anwar Ali became a regular when Sarfaraz assumed t20 captaincy.

Umm Anwar has never played under Sarfraz's captaincy in international games, unless off course you meant psl only ?


Going back to the main point this is a legitimate concern with sarfraz and one that is prevalent throughout our culture.

Playing Asad at the expense of Amin is particularly awful.

IN PSL though Anwar is a bit more acceptable, Quetta dont have many other options.

Having said all that i hope anwar doesnt play for pakistan unless he magically fixes his bowling

 

[Hawkeye]

Lol.

Sarfraz has benched Luke and Amin for the likes of Shafiq?!?!?!

And the biggest worry is he's going to be our captain with captain having the most authority ever in selecting teams, as per Inzi.

So I'm sure we're going to see Sarfrazs XI with Shafiq and Anwar being the primary players.

Lets unite the accumulators.

 

[Professor]

Anwar Ali has never played a T20I under Sarfaraz and Anwar has been a regular in domestic T20 sides way before Sarfaraz was captain.

 

[Kakar]

Totally against Shafiq, but Luke can't come in for him. Their overseas quota is full. It should be Bismillah Khan playing though instead of Shafiq.

 

[Hasan123]

I wish such threads were also made when Misbah was playing his friends and favourites.

Its literally all in your head that Misbah doesn't get criticism for picking his friends. Islamabad has been named friends 11 on this forum.

Op is making a good point, Shafiq shouldn't be opening ahead of Rossow or Wright.

 

[Asim2Good]

Word "friendship" been used here on PP quite regularly now a days
When there is nothing else to say abt certain player, then this friendship argument takes over.

Since Sarfraz took over T20 captaincy regularly, Anwar Ali n Asad Shafiq were not part of playing XI.
He even gave chance to Rumman Raees in 3rd T20 against WI.

 

[jazbati]

Good Point. Won't be surprised if Moin Khan makes a return to a team manager/assistance coach post since Sarfaraz will be the captain.

.

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

do not care at all if he ends up winning matches for us.

 

[Madplayer]

do not care at all if he ends up winning matches for us.

You dont care what team he leaves behind when he goes? Maybe he knows how to use these below average players but they are below average and we know it. Thats not going to change. With such players he will win pointless matches mostly against asian sides or associates and i also know that many people will be satisfied with that.

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

You dont care what team he leaves behind when he goes? Maybe he knows how to use these below average players but they are below average and we know it. Thats not going to change. With such players he will win pointless matches mostly against asian sides or associates and i also know that many people will be satisfied with that.

if a below average player performs above average under a certain leader and below even his own standards under another leader, it is not only the fault of the player but leadership skills of that individual should be under question too.

and to answer the question, i do believe in leaving legacies and all that but we both know the difference between living in a realistically possible world and ideologically created dreams when it comes to pakistan cricket.

 

[Madplayer]

if a below average player performs above average under a certain leader and below even his own standards under another leader, it is not only the fault of the player but leadership skills of that individual should be under question too.

and to answer the question, i do believe in leaving legacies and all that but we both know the difference between living in a realistically possible world and ideologically created dreams when it comes to pakistan cricket.

I'm not talking about leaving behind legacies but i am against short term fixes. He needs to build a team which can compete after he is gone. Even today Inzi is criticised by some people for not doing enough for the team's future.

Even if sarfaraz wins matches with such players, it will all come crashing down in the long run. Invest in long term prospects with actual potential is what i'm saying.

 

[KhanNn]

Really hope that he doesn't favour Asad and Anwar

 

[The_Odd_One]

OP is inventing facts here. Anwar Ali did not play any T20 when Sarfraz became full time T20 captain.

Both Asad and Anwar are more popular players in Pakistan cricket so there is no surprise that they are playing in PSL.

I would wait and see if they play for the national team before start blaming Sarfraz.

 

[moghul]

Misbah promoted Hafeez and Rahat even they did not deserve to be in the team, hope Sarfraz will look at team interest first.

BTW, I don;t mind Anwar making a come back in ODI or T20. He is performing better and more importantly no one else has emerged to claim fast bowling all rounder spot.

 

[Syed1]

Lol.

Sarfraz has benched Luke and Amin for the likes of Shafiq?!?!?!

And the biggest worry is he's going to be our captain with captain having the most authority ever in selecting teams, as per Inzi.

So I'm sure we're going to see Sarfrazs XI with Shafiq and Anwar being the primary players.

Lets unite the accumulators.

Considering how much better Sarfaraz is as a captain than both Misbah and Azhar, he would manage to win matches even if he plays his friends. Certainly will be able to improve our performance unlike his two predecessors.

Incase you haven't noticed Sarfaraz's friends XI is the only unbeaten side in the PSL and also has looked as the best side so far.

 

[The_Odd_One]

Lol.

Sarfraz has benched Luke and Amin for the likes of Shafiq?!?!?!

And the biggest worry is he's going to be our captain with captain having the most authority ever in selecting teams, as per Inzi.

So I'm sure we're going to see Sarfrazs XI with Shafiq and Anwar being the primary players.

Lets unite the accumulators.

What's so special about Amin? They guy is a total failure even in the 2nd grade T20 leagues.

 

[Syed1]

All the haters of Sarfaraz coming out in full force despite not even been guilty of the offense these guys are proclaiming.

I wonder why such criticism wasn't directed towards useless captains like Misbah and Azhar.

 

[The_Odd_One]

And BTW Anwar is not a bad option for T20s. He's still the best fast bowling all rounder in Pakistan.

Only a few days ago a lot of posters here wanted Shafiq to open the innings for Pakistan in ODIs. Now they don't even want to see him in T20s.

 

[MMHS]

There is a selection committee for a reason - Inzamamul Haq has a professional, moral & religious responsibility to make his pay check halal. If CS is to read the names Captain wants in the team, then the cleaners of PCB can do that & many would like to do that without payment.


Having said that, often Captains have their own preferences - that's acceptable as well as long as it's a marginal call & no one is unduely deprived. But, if any player is selected from relationship with Captain, rather than teams interest or coasting a potential youngster's career, then more than anyone CS is not doing his job.

That's Cricket's structure - in soccer, manager is the Boss (so we'll have to accept that Klopp will keep playing his fellow German Can at midfield & Lucas at centre back)

 

[Bewal Express]

If the 2 are selected then neither will last long. Assad Shafiq wont be in the squad based on the rubbish he produced in Australia and AA is nothing player.

 

[Stallion__]

Let's wait a bit to pass any judgement. He only played Shafiq in a single match last year. And Anwar hasn't played a single match under his captaincy in T20Is, let alone being regular.

 

[The_Odd_One]

Seems like it is helping rather than hurting his team. Both Asad and Anwar were brilliant today.

 

[Hawkeye]

Seems like it is helping rather than hurting his team. Both Asad and Anwar were brilliant today.

Lol. You don't want to know what will happen with Shehzad/Shafiq/Anwar combo in international matches.

But this WILL happen - friends will be rewarded.

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

Sarfraz doesn't get a say in selection. Arthur and Inzamam do.

 

[proud_pakistani]

Asad played a very good knock yesterday and I think he is a good batsman who lacks confidence. If Sarfraz can get the best out of him I have no issues in him playing. Anwar Ali is not a bad player to have in the team if we are playing in UK or Australia where a pace bowling all-rounder is very useful plus he is a very good lower order batsman.

 

[Madplayer]

Asad played a very good knock yesterday and I think he is a good batsman who lacks confidence. If Sarfraz can get the best out of him I have no issues in him playing. Anwar Ali is not a bad player to have in the team if we are playing in UK or Australia where a pace bowling all-rounder is very useful plus he is a very good lower order batsman.

Both of them are average players. I hope sarfaraz doesn't carry forward this friendship in national team selections otherwise it will be all doom and gloom. Whats worst is that they can perform once in a while so that their supporters have something to defend them with. Anwar is bits and pieces and shafiq is a mental mid-get in LOIs.

 

[marlonbrowndo]

Asad is the worst LOI player in history

 

[shark11]

Still better than akmals and hafeez

 

[saeed5646]

Sarfraz ahmed Special treatment to specific player is worrying for Pakistan team future

Today once again sarfraz shows his blind support to his friend anwar ali

in a easy win situation which cost quetta a match .What should we

expect from him he needs to think for team first than friendship.this is not first time he has

done that .Asad shafiq selection after failure after failure is another example

 

[marlonbrowndo]

This is worrying. He continues to play Anwar. He was brilliant tactically today but he keeps playing rubbish like Anwar and Asad. Quetta can not win the tournament if he plays these duds

 

[Naim]

Its certainly hurting Quetta gladiators

 

[The_KING]

Expect Asad and Anwar to be opening the batting and bowling respectively for Pakistan soon

 

[KhanNn]

Expect Asad and Anwar to be opening the batting and bowling respectively for Pakistan soon

Well after all Anwar Ali is the best all rounder in Pakistan.....those were his words, not mine. Clearly deluded.

 

[Rayyman]

His tactics were good, but his squad got exposed today.

 

[waleed88]

Sarfaraz clearly lost it because of AA today..

 

[The_KING]

Well after all Anwar Ali is the best all rounder in Pakistan.....those were his words, not mine. Clearly deluded.

Anwar is a specialist fielder and that's it. He can't bat or bowl.

 

[Naim]

Main hun Anwar ali or main khailta Rahun ga

 

[KhanNn]

Yup 100% lost it because of Anwar. He is strong but not technically gifted whikst batting.

 

[Hawkeye]

Haha.

Lost it because of this friendship. ) ) )

Sarfraz is going to ruin Pak team too with the likes of Anwar, Shafiq and Shehzad!

 

[Hawkeye]

Well after all Anwar Ali is the best all rounder in Pakistan.....those were his words, not mine. Clearly deluded.

Haha, Sarfraz said that? ) )

No wonder the cluelessness. [MENTION=138254]Syed1[/MENTION]

 

[Saj]

To be fair to Sarfraz I think there is an element of "dosti selections" in all of the PSL teams and squads. It needs sorting out and addressing as the best teams or squads are not being picked.

 

[MenInG]

PSL is a nice big party where everyone has a good time. Maybe we should stop taking it too seriously and just be happy if one or 2 good talents come out

 

[Abdullah719]

Haha, Sarfraz said that? ) )

No wonder the cluelessness. [MENTION=138254]Syed1[/MENTION]

I think he's referring to Anwar saying that about himself.

 

[Square Drive]

Why not Mahmudullah at #6?

Horrible.

 

[Hawkeye]

I think he's referring to Anwar saying that about himself.

I see.

Still, I do believe Sarfraz has the same opinion.

 

[Saj]

Why not Mahmudullah at #6?

Horrible.

Or Perera
Or Nawaz

 

[Boi]

I doubt it. I'm sure if Sarfraz didn't know that Anwar was trash before this game he would after today. Even if he does support their inclusion, I don't think Inzi rates Anwar at all I trust him to not select him.

 

[Rayyman]

Or Perera
Or Nawaz

Or Hasan

 

[Boi]

Rather than Sarfraz, I think Moin Khan also has a big role to pay in the continuous selection of Anwar and Shafiq.

 

[ahmedwaqas92]

Lol people clearly do not have any idea what they're talking about.....

Even before season 1 of PSL began the owners of Omar Assosciates came out and told that they would give preference to the local players and those that have represented their department.

Nothing to do with Sarfaraz or anything however, I do think Amwar should be rested for the rest of the tournament.

Papa also needs to pull his socks up and justify the opening position he's been getting in this tournament

 

[Madplayer]

Or Perera
Or Nawaz

He clearly wanted anwar to hit the winning runs and get some spot light, perhaps to get into the good books of national selectors. This is worrisome. Anwar ali has been the most horrible bowler in this PSL and now he is a part of a blunder of a mess up in the final few overs.

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

one down one more to go

sadly i feel a combination of the mythical technique and that one 50 will keep asad in for rest of the tournament

 

[Rayyman]

one down one more to go

sadly i feel a combination of the mythical technique and that one 50 will keep asad in for rest of the tournament

Man. Bismillah and Amin are waiting.

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Man. Bismillah and Amin are waiting.

totally forgot about Bismillah, the guy is a mad hack but that might be what Quetta need, still Amin really should have a go by now. His t20 record actually stands up with the best in Pakistan plus he gives them left hander to pair shezhad

 

[coy0607]

Lol people clearly do not have any idea what they're talking about.....

Even before season 1 of PSL began the owners of Omar Assosciates came out and told that they would give preference to the local players and those that have represented their department.

Nothing to do with Sarfaraz or anything however, I do think Amwar should be rested for the rest of the tournament.

Papa also needs to pull his socks up and justify the opening position he's been getting in this tournament

Right

This has more to do with the owner Omar for whom the 3 have been playing for 15 years since they were kids. He's repeadily spoken about his affection for these 3 players...

Less to do with Sarfraz, but then again people like excuses to bash certain players they don't like

 

[Rayyman]

totally forgot about Bismillah, the guy is a mad hack but that might be what Quetta need, still Amin really should have a go by now. His t20 record actually stands up with the best in Pakistan plus he gives them left hander to pair shezhad

8 games. 4 options: Amin, BK, Saad, and Asad.
Ideally each one gets 2, but Saad got 1 and Shafiq 7!
Dumb logic!