Wicketkeeper, batsman Sarfraz Ahmed has been appointed as the new Twenty20 International captain for Pakistan. The spot was left vacant after Shahid Khan Afridi stepped down from the role a few days ago.
Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Shaharyar Khan congratulated Sarfraz Ahmed and expressed his delight for the new captain. He said, “I spoke to Sarfraz this morning and informed him that he was our natural choice for this prestigious position.”
“His appointment is open-ended. I wish him good luck in his new role”, he added.
Regarding the selection, former wicketkeeper, batsman Rashid Latif said that: “Sarfraz’s appointment as a captain is no more than damage control from the perspective of the Pakistan Cricket Board.”
He also suggested that the cricket board should also consider swapping Azhar Ali with Sarfraz Ahmed as the captain in the One-Day International setup, so that he [Ahmed] can gain experience and learn.
Sarfraz Ahmed, after being selected as the skipper, expressed his views in a very joyous manner. Thanking his fellow players and the cricket board, Ahmed said that: “I’ll try to give my input and feedback to the board as Pakistan’s captain whilst at the same time I’ll also respect and honour the policies of the board.”
The 28 year old will lead the T20 side for the first time in the series against England in July. The series schedule only comprises of a single T20 duel amongst the two sides.