Sarfaraz Ahmed has been dropped from the Test and T20I captaincy. Azhar Ali is handed over the responsibility of Test team and Babar Azam will lead the team in T20I till next year ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Earlier, there were speculations that the newly appointed coach Misbah-ul-Haq is not happy with the skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed’s leadership quality and is thinking to replace him. The news was confirmed on Friday (18th October) when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dropped him from the Test and T20I captaincy roles.
After a disappointing performance against the inexperienced Sri Lanka team, Sarfaraz’s performance was being questioned. Misbah has trusted Sarfaraz despite the team had upsetting performance in ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 and given him a chance to lead the limited-overs teams against Sri Lanka. But Sarfaraz has disappointed everyone because of which he has lost the captaincy.
This is the biggest thing happened in my career: Babar Azam
The vice-captain Babar Azam has been selected to lead the No.1 T20I team. He said that he is delighted to be trusted for the post and is ready to lead the No.1 team. He opines that Sarfaraz has led the team admirably well in the past. Azam wants to take forward Sarfaraz’s accomplishment in the same way.
“To be named the captain of the No.1 ranked side in the world is the biggest thing that has happened to my career to date. I am ready for this challenge and also willing to learn more in the process. I feel it has been a natural progression for me and I am delighted that the PCB has put faith in my capabilities.
“Sarfaraz Ahmed has led the side in the shortest format by example and it is my responsibility to take forward his accomplishments so that we remain a consistent, attractive and powerful side.”