Pakistan’s former cricketers have blasted One-day International skipper Azhar Ali after receiving a recent hammering by 4-1 against Australia in the recently concluded 5-match ODI series.
The former veterans have taunted Azhar and asked him to hand over the ODI throne to the Twenty20 skipper and wicket-keeper batsman Sarfraz Ahmad, who is seen as the favourite contender to lead all formats.
The 45-year-old former Pakistan skipper Moin Khan came hard at Azhar by saying he did not deserve to be a skipper of the national side.
The wicket-keeper batsman Moin has opposed the board’s decision over his captaincy.
“Azhar was inducted in the team directly as captain and I have always opposed this decision. He should have first secured his place in the team and then he should have been made captain. He didn’t deserve to be captain,” Moin was quoted as saying by Express Tribune.
While echoing the words of crowd favourite Shahid Afridi, Moin said Sarfraz is the potential candidate to lead the Men in Green.
Earlier, former skipper Afridi revealed Sarfraz is ready to lead Pakistan in all formats.
“Sarfraz has the potential to do well in all three formats as captain,” Moin remarked.
Moin has also stated that he is ready to serve the nation if Pakistan Cricket Board requires his service.
“I am always available to serve the national team and am ready to take any responsibility given to me by the PCB,” added Moin.
However, former captain and legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram said Sarfraz is the only chance available for the PCB and overhauling will take some time to provide the desired results.
“Sarfraz should be the captain now. There is no other option available. Players are announced in the team without conducting fitness tests and then are sent on tours,” Akram opined.
The former Pakistan cricketers Ramiz Raja, Aaqib Javed, Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Yousuf expressed Sarfraz is the best in business to lead the ODI side and eventually the Test team.
“Whoever made Azhar Ali the ODI captain should be held accountable,” Yousuf said.
Javed urged Misbah to call it a day as he is already 42 to allow Sarfraz lead the national side for the longer version of the game.
“Misbah is 42 and now it is time to give the responsibility to Sarfraz,” the former Pakistan fast bowler Javed concluded.