The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has removed Sarfaraz Ahmed as skipper in the Test and T20, due to a drop in overall form. Batsman Azhar Ali will replace the wicket-keeper captain Sarfaraz Ahmed in the upcoming tests opposed to Australia as well as the World Test Championship in the 2019-2020 session. Azhar Ali has for long been one of the most dependable batsmen with 5669 runs in 73 Tests at an average rate of 43.27. He was one of those Pakistani heroes during their previous tour of Australia returning with 460 runs, the most of his side from six innings, at an average of 81.20, with the hundred and two fifties.
While, batsman Babar Azam will lead Pakistan in T20 matches against Australia and until the 2020 T20 World Cup, which is almost year away. Babar said to be named as the captain of No.1 ranked side in the world is the biggest thing happened to my career till date. He further says that he is ready for this challenge and also willing to learn more from this process. I feel it has been a natural advancement for me, and I am delighted that PCB has put faith in my aptitudes.
Whereas Ahmed has also been ‘left out of both formats’ the declaration added, citing the wicket-keepers poor form which has also affected his confidence. There has been no proclamation regarding changes in the whole team for a one-day international. The decision came up with the Pakistan top-ranked T20 team was gloss over an inexperienced team Sri Lanka side in Lahore.
PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani entitled the decision to restrain Ahmed as ‘difficult’, but one that had to be taken “in the best interest of the team”.
Sarfaraz Ahmed said in a press release that “It has been an honor to lead Pakistan at the highest rank”, I thank all of my colleagues, coaches, and selectors who have helped me in this whole-time journey. Further, he says, “My good wishes are with Babar Azam, Azhar Ali, and the Pakistan Cricket team, and I hope they continue to grow stronger and stronger.”
