Sarfaraz Ahmed to captain Pakistan in World Cup 2019
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Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ehsan Mani on Tuesday announced that Sarfaraz Ahmed will continue captaining the Pakistan cricket team in the upcoming 2019 Cricket World Cup.
Speaking to the media in Lahore, Ehsan Mani praised Ahmed for his skills as a captain and a cricketer.
Recalling the time when Ahmed first came into the limelight while leading Pakistan's team to victory in the 2006 Under-19 World Cup against India, the PCB chief said, "Sarfaraz has made great progress since he led the team in the Under-19 World Cup, he has only improved with time."
"There should be no doubt that Sarfaraz is the Pakistan cricket team's captain. He will lead the team in the series against Australia and also in the World Cup," the PCB chairman said.
He added: “ I was always clear in my mind that Sarfaraz would be the captain. Sarfaraz has been an integral part of the Pakistan's World Cup preparations. He has proved to be a good strategist, leader and performer."
“He led Pakistan to Champions Trophy 2017 title as well as to top of the International Cricket Council's Twenty20 International rankings," Mani said.
“Sarfaraz has reiterated his commitment to the Pakistan cricket team as well as his availability and enthusiasm to captain the team at the World Cup."
Ahmed, who accompanied Mani at the media briefing, said that he was grateful for the opportunity to lead Pakistan cricket team in the upcoming World Cup.
"I feel proud to be joining the list of cricketers that led the Pakistan cricket team into world cups in the past. We will try our best to perform well there," he said.
"There is only one captain of the Pakistan cricket team and it will remain so," Mani said, while dispelling rumours that there may be a change in the team's leadership ahead of the World Cup.
Answering a question regarding these rumours, the skipper said, "Since I started captaining the team, I did not think so far ahead into the future and worry about if I would be the team's captain in a year's time or not. I focused on my responsibilities on a series-to-series basis and will continue to do so."
“I am convinced we are in a good shape for the World Cup. We have top quality talent and match-winners with a committed support staff in the dressing room," he said when asked about how he felt going into the upcoming international showdown.
“In the lead up to the World Cup, Pakistan will play five ODIs each against Australia and England, which will also allow us the opportunity to further fine-tune our preparations. I am sure we’ll prove ourselves at the World Cup.”
Since making his debut against India in Jaipur in November 2007, Sarfaraz, 31, has played in 101 One-Day Internationals, including 35 as captain. He has scored 1,942 runs at just under 33 and has dismissed 121 batsmen behind the wickets. As captain, he has won 21 matches.
Sarfaraz played three matches in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, finishing with 160 runs as an opener. He also caught six batsmen at the wicket.
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Comments (94) Closed
Feb 05, 2019 01:48pm
Why did it take so long for him to make this important announcement?
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Feb 05, 2019 01:54pm
Good Decision!
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Feb 05, 2019 02:01pm
Sorry folks, all these efforts in vain!!!
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Feb 05, 2019 02:07pm
I hope he remember to avoid racist remarks
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Feb 05, 2019 02:07pm
Absence of Sarfaraz realises the fact to every one that he is the best captain at the moment. . he reads the Game secnario very well and his proactive actions remain the other side under pressure . We are hope full that Pakistan Team will do his best in all coming important fixtures.
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Feb 05, 2019 02:13pm
Now, it is time to start selecting players on merit too. Pakistan needs many new players in test team (especially batsmen) and need few player changes in ODI and T20I team.
In test, Pakistan has to include Fawad, Saad Ali and Usman Salahuddin amongst playing 11 ... and that would be merit, as Fawad first class average is 56, he made test century (168 runs) in his first test debut (in 2009) and that also outside Paksitan, when Pakistan team collapsed and his runs were more than half of total ... still, he was later dropped. Usman and Saad first class average is ~47 and that is higher than any Pakistani players in team except Harris (who should be in test team too).
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Feb 05, 2019 02:19pm
Congratulations to Sarfraz but you need to show maturity and class. Don't show anger when fielder drops catch or bowler gets punished. Be mindful.
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Feb 05, 2019 02:21pm
I am flabbergasted that this conference was necessary. The policy and procedure regarding captain should be simple, for example Sarfraz would be captain for all formats unless communicated by PCB period. Holding a conference for announcing a captain for every series is pointless and a total waste of resources and time. Agree with Waseem Akram bhai about this point. Mr Ehsan Mani I suggest you consider making this change as Waseem bhai has stated earlier this is the only cricketing board that does this.
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Feb 05, 2019 02:22pm
No other choice apparently. PCB must work to groom some youngster for this job after World Cup.
One day team ideally:
1- Fakhar Zaman
2- Imam
3- Babar
4- Malik
5- Umar Akmal
6- Sarafaraz
7- Imad Wasim
8- Shadab
9- Hassan
10- Shaheen
11- Junaid
T20:
1- Fakhar
2- Babar
3- Imam/Farhan
4- Malik
5- Umar Akmal
6- Sarfaraz
7- Imad
8- Shadab
9- Fahim
10- Shaheen
11- Amir
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Feb 05, 2019 02:22pm
Nice move, he has experience to win and lead in UK
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Feb 05, 2019 02:27pm
really poor decision
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Feb 05, 2019 02:57pm
Poor Asif is not being groomed properly leading to him playing rash shots. Should be used to build innings rather than find himself coming in when a charge is needed. After Sharjeel I think this guy had the natural potential of converting every ball into a run making shot.
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Feb 05, 2019 03:03pm
He should lead a madrasah given his moral qualities not a cricket team
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Feb 05, 2019 03:05pm
Big mistake
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Feb 05, 2019 03:14pm
Very bad decision. Sarfaraz is a horrible choice . He lacks maturity, lacks discipline. Does not know how to place fielders . Always cave's under pressure. Rude to his fellow players from behind the stumps. To be a good captain you must have intellectual capability and thinking . Not to mention his latest racist comments and his inability to understand what he has done . Ahsan Mani is no different .
It was better to make a youngster Captain he would have made mistakes but in the long run worth it.
For quite sometime we keep hearing the same song and dance this is a new and young team give it some time. So far nothing to rave about except disappointment and unfortunately we will continue to until this guy continues to lead .
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Feb 05, 2019 03:15pm
Excellent decision, it means Pakistan is going to play 1 wicket down in every match. Looks very challenging.
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Feb 05, 2019 03:16pm
@shafiq, 'really poor decision'
Indians have to get upset … it is obvious, Indians, then running ICC champion, had bad defeat against Pakistan weakest and lowest ranked team of tournament in ICC Champions trophy (2017) final. They never expected that.
As for Pakistanis, decision is quite pleasing. It is obvious that one who led Pakistan ODI number 8 ranked team to win Champions trophy first time in history of Pakistan, a competition where Pakistan never even reached final. ... and then led Pakistan number 7 ranked T20I team to become ranked 1 ... with world record of 11 consecutive T20I series wins ... and in process led Pakistan to 8 consecutive T20I wins ... an unfortunate loss … and then again 9 consecutive T20I wins. And that also, most wins were not in Pakistani or Gulf soils, but outside both these home grounds, beating world top team NZ 5 times out of 6 encounters ... and beating Australia too - 5 times.
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Feb 05, 2019 03:18pm
Racist should not be captain of team. If IK really belives in equality of Colors, race an etc. Don't let him represent country on moral grounds.
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Feb 05, 2019 03:25pm
Why Sarfaraz why not someone from Punjab or KPK? Look Afradi or Shoaib Akhtar performance.
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Feb 05, 2019 03:27pm
@Citizen, I like Sarfraz the way he is. Imran Khan used to do it by staring, however, Sarfraz does it in his own style. Not sure if you ever noticed that after Hasan Ali has done something wrong Sarfraz talks to him and usually with the next few deliveries or his next over he gets a wicket. Sarfraz is an effective leader though I think he needs to be bold and come in to bat earlier and improve his batting. I am a big fan of Sarfraz because of his unique personality and strong leadership skills. Not sure if he is getting the effective mentoring and backup from the coaches. He is the right coach as the captain though I agree we need to groom a younger player for the future. I would say this could be Babar Azam.
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Feb 05, 2019 03:53pm
@shafiq, because you are not deserved that’s why he will lead Pakistan
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Feb 05, 2019 03:53pm
Great skills sarfaraz
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Feb 05, 2019 04:00pm
Wrong decision by PCB. Babar azam should be made captain
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Feb 05, 2019 04:14pm
Good News finally
He is a rocking Captain
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Feb 05, 2019 04:15pm
Well expected, but he really needs to work on his batting! Not to mention on other things as a captain! Look at the picture, wearing tie but button not done up! Addressing the ladies team the other day, he had both Hands in his pocket, these are not small,issues shows lack of discipline and education! When you address show respect!
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Feb 05, 2019 04:18pm
Sarfraz please cut down on useless chatting behind the stumps and play your natural game.
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Feb 05, 2019 04:19pm
@Pak_UK, please no Akmals in the Pakistan team. They are full of drama. Talent is of no use if you cannot perform. Imam is okay for ODIs but not for t-20. Though his inclusion in the ODI should be with the condition that he plays for Pakistan and not to set personal records. No use scoring centuries if the team loses. Additionally, his slow run rate puts a late of pressure on performers like Babar Azam. Imam needs to learn how to rotate strike regularly.
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Feb 05, 2019 04:24pm
Well this mean this team not going pass first round.
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Feb 05, 2019 04:37pm
PCB will regret this decision as the boards will take a dim view. This not professional. This provides a critical view of the country. Even if Pak win work cup it shows a poor light on events. PCB cannot effectively make decisions and this a prime example of its faults over 30 years. It does not make a difference who the Chairperson is the story is still old game.
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Feb 05, 2019 04:56pm
A captain is as good or bad as his team.
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Feb 05, 2019 05:46pm
Good sensible decision, best wishes for a successful tournament!
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Feb 05, 2019 05:49pm
Common sense prevailed
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Feb 05, 2019 05:51pm
@Pak_UK,
Umar Akmal: really.
We are thorough with Akmals
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Feb 05, 2019 05:52pm
@JackJones,
Completely agree. He needs breathing space and support and let him do his thing.
Just because his style makes other spectators uncomfortable is not a reason to make change!
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Feb 05, 2019 05:54pm
@helpless, cross batted shots against fast, full and straight bowling dont instill confidence. asif, hasan ali, and others all guilty of the same basic mistake.
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Feb 05, 2019 05:55pm
@Citizen, he needs to control his language and tone down his emotions, period.
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Feb 05, 2019 05:57pm
@Shazad, good summary, thanks. the indians are plain jealous.
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Feb 05, 2019 05:59pm
@Z, he was punished. this matter is closed. move on.
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Feb 05, 2019 06:02pm
We don't have any other option nor we have prepared for a change.
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Feb 05, 2019 06:04pm
Fact is that no one in current set up is capable or good enough to be the captain of Pakistan. Sarfaraz is your best bet and default choice, however Pakistans chance at world cup looks dim.
Ehsan mani needs to seek answers from chief selector and the coach, they are the real culprits behind the dismal performance of the team
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Feb 05, 2019 06:06pm
Excellent decision, changing captain n team at this point of time is not right,
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Feb 05, 2019 06:11pm
In the end, it was Waseem Akram and Asian Bradman who pushed the case to announce the captain. Why one of them doesn't replace Mani?
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Feb 05, 2019 06:12pm
How come there is no comment from Gordon from Canada?
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Feb 05, 2019 06:14pm
I hope he plays the full world cup
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Feb 05, 2019 06:19pm
@fairplay, Jealous? really? what for?
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Feb 05, 2019 06:35pm
Very well and well thought decision.
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Feb 05, 2019 06:37pm
Sarfaraz has leadership qualities and the decision to keep him captain is commendable.
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Feb 05, 2019 06:43pm
Excellent. Now all players must play with unity and win for Pakistan. Just keep aside internal rift.
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Feb 05, 2019 06:46pm
Ahsan mani has been dissaponting so far in his tenure perhaps..he should be having a press confrence reagarding the decline of pakistan cricket and what measure he has in place for the likes of coaches, selectors and non performing players..why are they playing? and good players kept out? The public wants a performing team in the world cup who should be captian or not should be Ahsan Manis last priority.
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Feb 05, 2019 07:18pm
Bad decision! PCB will wait till Pakistan lose World cup and then get rid of Sarfaraz.
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Feb 05, 2019 07:28pm
Sarfraz should understand that a group in team doesn’t like him as a captain And that group will keep doing their attempts to dislodge him. Try not to give them any loophole in future like the one he gave them by some racist comments even than the intention was not bad.
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Feb 05, 2019 07:33pm
It is sad that someone like Sarfraz will continue to lead the side. His performance has deteriorated since assuming captaincy and his has struggled for ideas to unsettle and attack settled batsmen. He reprimands bowlers and fielded which demoralizes the already under pressure players. Ehsan Mani has been a total disappointment!!
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Feb 05, 2019 07:40pm
@Fahim khalil , sarfaraz has no say, at best he is considered to be a great Yes-MAN person
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Feb 05, 2019 07:51pm
We'll be out in the first round.
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Feb 05, 2019 07:53pm
Sarfaraz Ahmed is Pride of Sindh. Congratulations.Good luck to the Pakistan Team for the World Cup 2019.
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Feb 05, 2019 07:55pm
@Pak_UK, Umar Akmal does not have a place in the side.
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Feb 05, 2019 07:56pm
@Shazad, Great analysis for those who see bad in everything.
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Feb 05, 2019 07:57pm
Sarfraz just needs to be pragmatic in his approach. Think through before making strategy and on field don't try too many things.
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Feb 05, 2019 07:57pm
Finally some sanity in Pak cricket, now select the other players on merit as well.
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Feb 05, 2019 07:57pm
this team will hardly clear the first stages
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Feb 05, 2019 08:02pm
Seriously!!! Am I dreaming??
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Feb 05, 2019 08:05pm
The problem with Sarfraz is that he is not sure he can win. He lacks confidence in himself, he is hungry for being a captain of the country. He even said that he would be proud to be representing Pakistan in the world cup, he should be saying that he is sure that he can bring the world cup home. Huge difference between being having a participant mentality vs a winning mentality.
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Feb 05, 2019 08:59pm
Very good Pakistan need sarfaraz for world cup. Without him Pakistan team will not perform well.
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Feb 05, 2019 09:10pm
Biggest skill he has is being the biggest chamcha for inzi and just agreeing to everything Inzi tells him
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Feb 05, 2019 09:33pm
I heard Hafeez in one of the TV show where he was showing his disagreement from Wasim Akram comments that we have no other option but Sarfraz for captain now after this decision Hafeez and others who was eyeing to be the captain in WC 2019 should just focus on cricket if they want to be the part of WC ODI squad.
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Feb 05, 2019 09:48pm
@Fuad , horrible comments really. This is by far the best choice. All the best to Sarfaraz and Pakistan.
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Feb 05, 2019 09:49pm
Not a wise decision
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Feb 05, 2019 10:02pm
Wonderful news...
Gordon D. Walker
Canada
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Feb 05, 2019 11:11pm
The only problem I have with this press conference is that, it appears that politics are at play. Sarfraz seems to be insecure and is pulling strings to put the word out that his captain-ship should not be challenged. If Sarfraz had not put this press conference, I was supporting him. But now, I feel that he is using politics and not merit to be a decision factor. This press conference has actually brought more focus to his insecurity and lack of confidence in himself. Maybe it is time that we let him rest for the Australian tour and see how the boys perform without him. If the boys perform better against Australia, then we should let the new captain take over, if they don't perform well then we should let Sarfraz continue being the captain. I think it is a fair decision.
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Feb 06, 2019 12:15am
Bad decision... 50% World Cup already lost now. Now will see what remaining 50% can do.
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Feb 06, 2019 01:40am
Pakistani team lost under S Malik but they scored their highest runs in T20. Under Sarfraz they have trouble getting to 150. So Mani is crumbing under pressure from Zero Sarfraz supporters.
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Feb 06, 2019 01:57am
As long as he keeps his mouth shut and his opinions to himself.
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Feb 06, 2019 02:23am
@Shazad,
Take a breath buddy
Do you know last time sarfraz scored more than 40 and Pak won was back in CT 2017 against srilanka(with 2 dropped chances)
He has been a total burden when it comes to individual perfonmance
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Feb 06, 2019 03:16am
@Prateik, Perhaps Imran is exception to this rule. He proved many a times that a team is as good as the captains is!
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Feb 06, 2019 04:48am
Sorry if it hurts but I think Sarfarz puts lots of unnecessary pressure on players and I don’t rate him very high as captain, I think after WC Pak should look for better captain
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Feb 06, 2019 04:58am
Lucky Sarfraz, and some good luck for the rest of the teams!
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Feb 06, 2019 05:48am
Finally!
But Sarfaraz MUST stand up to Mickey and Inzi to pick his own team. If he continue to be part of continued injustice to players like Fawad, junaid khan, mir hamza, khurram manzoor, saad ali, Ruman Raees, Usman salauddin then he does not deserve to be our captain
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Feb 06, 2019 06:25am
Sarfaraz must learn from his mistakes. One more chance to him to prove himself. Best of luck.
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Feb 06, 2019 06:58am
After the decimal show in South Africa?
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Feb 06, 2019 09:34am
There is no alternative.
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Feb 06, 2019 09:58am
Best decision by PCB to appoint Sarfaraz as skipper for the world cup. He is the best available option under these circumstances. He was having a bad patch and big struggles. He should use this opportunity to win his country world cup or at least reach last 4. Make best use of this opportunity. Shoaib Malik should be appointed as deputy. Along with experience performance should be given top priority while selecting the squad. its time planning and plotting should be avoided so does even politics.
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Feb 06, 2019 12:15pm
Great decision. Best captain by far in our team. All the best Sarfaraz Ahmed's Pakistan team for the World Cup. Prayers are with you.
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Feb 06, 2019 12:40pm
i feel after that great controversy he doesn't deserve this position. The comments he made behind the wicket are very serious not to be taken lightly one must take it seriously.
Secondly second T20 seems it was a fixed match
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Feb 06, 2019 12:44pm
It is not a correct decision
Comments he made behind the wicket were very serious . Action against him must have been taken instead he is made captain of the team.
Second T20 seems fixed one needs enquiry.
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Feb 06, 2019 12:49pm
build a team safi, throw shabi, imad fahim , talat in pressure situation and ask them to win the games for pakistan, i request psl sides to expose these kids to pressure match winning situations as well
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Feb 06, 2019 01:18pm
@Zahid , "It is sad that someone like Sarfraz will continue to lead the side." People of Karachi can understand your sadness, it occurs whenever you see someone from Karachi in Pakistan team. Get a life.
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Feb 06, 2019 01:19pm
@MNKhan, "But Sarfaraz MUST stand up to Mickey and Inzi to pick his own team." That's not the captain's job.
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Feb 06, 2019 02:41pm
@RIZ, who is Hafeez in front of Wasim Akram? Hafeez should remember how he ousted Abdur Razzaq from the team, who was way better than him.
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Feb 06, 2019 03:16pm
@Aslam zahid, "i feel after that great controversy he doesn't deserve this position. " So why is Amir in the team? You don't seem to have any feeling about that "great controversy", why on this one?
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Feb 06, 2019 03:24pm
@mussac, "After the decimal show in South Africa?" After the "decimal" (?? do you mean dismal?) show in South Africa, the selection committee is still there, the coaching staff is there, all the players are still there, team management is still there. Why only the captain should be held responsible? No one asking to change anyone except Sarfraz, isn't it surprising? So when you check the background of all of them, Sarfraz is different for one reason only. Do the research yourself and you'll find it as well.
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Feb 06, 2019 09:34pm
@BAXAR, nobody knows why amir is in the team. He is just taking up deserving players spot.
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Feb 06, 2019 10:05pm
With respects I feel it’s a poor decision.Malik should have been the captain.
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Feb 06, 2019 10:11pm
@Indian Miandad, So he has been selected on merit!
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Feb 08, 2019 10:41am
Sarfraz is a good choice for a captain in ODIs but not suitable for Test and T-20s due his batting technique.
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