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Leading Pakistan Across All Three Formats Does Not Burden Me: Sarfraz Ahmed

Pakistan cricket team captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has said that leading across all three formats of cricket does not burden him.

Sarfaraz told that he is enjoying his captaincy and game and always tries to give his best.

Sarfaraz’s Interview

Sarfaraz talked to media after a workout session at a sports complex and said;

It is great honor for me that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed me captain in all three formats; and this [responsibility] in no way is burdening me. I have always enjoyed playing cricket in every format and tried to produce my best and bring the best out of the national team [as captain].

The national team captain also had his say on poor performance of the team against New Zealand where Pakistan lost 5-0 to the hosts. He reckoned that batting was not clicking and this resulted in the loss. He said;

We could have won at least two ODIs [in New Zealand]. But in the end the result went against us. The batting, which has some flaws, did not click according to our plans.
Pakistan need drastic improvement in the batting, particularly in Tests and ODIs.


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Talking about playing conditions in New Zealand, Sarfaraz said that being professionals they need to adjust to conditions and perform well. The captain also cleared that there isn’t any kind of grouping in the current team and he enjoys good relations with all players, he stated;

Whenever Pakistan team lose in such a way these rumours [about differences] and conspiracy theories erupt, I enjoy good relations with [senior] players like Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik and there is complete harmony in the team.

He further said that Pakistan could have benefited from an experienced bowler like Mohammad Hafeez in New Zealand. Hafeez is facing a ban from ICC until he clears his bowling action.

“The selection committee is the best judge”, Sarfaraz said while talking about whether senior players will be given a chance in the World Cup that will be played next year in England.

There were rumors that players aren’t happy about the way prizes were distributed after Pakistan’s triumph in Champions Trophy. Sarfaraz negated these rumors and said;

The players deserved respect, appreciation and financial rewards after their triumph at last year’s Champions Trophy, sometimes too much criticism is unwarranted.

Praising the New-comers

Sarfaraz Ahmed also seemed impressed with the performances of Shadab Khan and Fakhar Zaman among other youngsters. Sarfaraz was appreciative of Fahim Ashraf as well. He said;

I hope Shadab will maintain consistency in his performance with bat and ball.

The national team captain commented on the upcoming series against England and Ireland saying;

Though it will be a tough tour but we are capable of competing against England and Ireland.

On PSL

Sarfaraz said that his PSL side Quetta Gladiators will be looking to win this time. Quetta were runner-ups in first two editions of PSL, however, Sarfaraz says that this time they are hoping to win the title in Karachi.

Talking about foreign players in his team, Sarfaraz said that they will try to convince Kevin Pietersen to come to Pakistan. KP missed the final last year that was played in Lahore, Pakistan. Sarfaraz said;

The World XI visit [to Lahore] last year is a step towards full resumption of international cricket in Pakistan and Pietersen will take clue from it.

PSL will kick off from February 22 in UAE. It is planned that two play-offs will be played in Pakistan along with the final.

Via Dawn

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