KARACHI: Sarfraz Ahmed on Wednesday stressed his primary focus as Pakistan’s new One-day International skipper will be to qualify for the 2019 ICC World Cup without having to go through the qualification stage.

With the top eight teams earning automatic berths at the mega event to be hosted by England, Pakistan are currently languishing in eighth spot with 89 points — only five ahead of ninth-placed West Indies, who they play in a three-match series next month.

Sarfraz, already Pakistan’s T20 skipper since 2016, has taken over the ODI leadership after Azhar Ali stepped down following the 4-1 defeat in Australia in January. The wicket-keeper/batsman has been further elevated as the Test vice-captain to aging national team captain Misbah-ul-Haq for the upcoming West Indies tour.

The humble Sarfraz, who led Quetta Gladiators to the 2017 HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) final for the second season running, told Dawn in an exclusive interview that he will approach the challenge of leading Pakistan with self-belief.

“Allah Almighty has been very kind to me from the day I started playing cricket. Leading one’s country is not just a great honour but a privilege as well. I am indebted to the PCB hierarchy for the trust they have in my ability [as a leader],” Sarfraz said in a tone of optimism.

“The team culture is an important tool for success and as captain my desire always has been to create an atmosphere of harmony at all levels. I’ll make sure that collectively we not just all enjoy each other’s company but successes as well as, and in difficult times ready to back the guys.”

The cut-off date for the 50-over World Cup is Sept 30 and Pakistan must ensure they don’t drop below top eight, otherwise the green shirts could find themselves battling for two available places in the qualifying event which will be held in Bangladesh from March 1 to April 4 next year.

Sarfraz underlines the importance of the big challenge Pakistan now have to face, while pointing out that the mindset has to be positive.

“Coming to the World Cup, the scenario ahead of us is definitely quite enormous given the time left for the cut-off date. Our prime objective will be to perform exceptionally in the coming [West Indies] series comprising three ODIs. In other words, we cannot afford to slip up,” the 29-year-old said.

“Although we need to keep things simple and stick to the basics, at the same time, we must change our style of play and be more aggressive than we have been. These days even totals of 300 are not safe judging by the rate of scoring and rules of play. T20 has obviously revolutionised ODI cricket. Unless we follow the modernised form, Pakistan will be generally found lagging behind.”

Commenting on Quetta not winning the PSL for the second time in two seasons, Sarfraz expressed his disappointment but also praised the organisers for staging the final in Lahore.

“Obviously, not winning the title hurts. We lost our top [overseas] players for the final but that is no excuse. However, what pleased all of us is the final was played in Pakistan. This was due to the efforts of everybody concerned,” he said.

“As a team, we played very good cricket most of the time and the highlights for me were when Quetta defended 136 to beat Lahore Qalandars in the opening fixture and then defeated them again by chasing down 200 with an over to spare. And then the way we defended 200 to score a one-run win against Peshawar to reach the final.”

Sarfraz further said the 2017 PSL was more competitive than the first edition, adding that it brought into limelight a number of extraordinarily talented young players.

“This PSL was a great platform for upcoming cricketers to showcase their talent and we saw some of them doing brilliantly. Shadab Khan, Hassaan Khan and Mohammad Irfan Jr did very well. Usama Mir also performed exceptionally and Usman Khan Shinwari made a great comeback from injury,” the Pakistan T20 skipper remarked. “I’m sure these youngsters must have enjoyed every moment of playing at the PSL like we did.”

Published in Dawn, March 9th, 2017