September 13, 2019: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appointed Babar Azam as vice-captain of Team Pakistan while Sarfraz Ahmed was retained as captain in white-ball cricket.
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| Sarfraz Ahmed Retained Captain, Babar Azam Appointed Vice-captain of Team Pakistan Picture Courtesy © Photo Gallery |
We Want To Groom Babar Azam As Future Captain: Ehsan Mani
Pakistan Cricket Board's chairman Ehsan Mani said,“We have appointed Babar Azam as Sarfaraz’s vice-captain. This is part of Babar’s gradual development as a future captain and in line with our strategy of introducing a succession plan across the board so that there are no gaps."
Pakistan cricket team's head coach cum chief selector, Misbah Ul Haq came to defend Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) decision to retain Sarfraz Ahmed as captain. He said," In the past couple of weeks, Sarfaraz and I have worked together on certain areas of his cricket that will enhance his overall performance. Both of us realize it is a performance-oriented world, and we are expected to give our best every time we take the field." Considering the recent performances of Sarfraz Ahmed, it was looking unlikely that PCB would retain him as captain but, Misbah Ul Haq and Pakistan cricket board (PCB) have decided to continue with him.
Sri Lanka Has Not abandoned Pakistan Tour: Ehsan Mani
Rumours were around on Indian media and Social Media that Sri Lanka has abandoned their trip to Pakistan. A couple of days ago Sri Lanka cricket board stated that they would reassess the security situation in Pakistan before they reach for limited-overs series on September 25. For this purpose, they sought the help of the Sri Lankan Government. PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani told media," We are having discussions with the Sri Lanka cricket board, we haven't heard anything negative from their side. They want to come; they are just waiting for final clearance from their govt. They haven't said at all that they won't come."
I Feel Humbled And Honoured To Have Been Awarded Extension To My Captaincy Term
Pakistan limited-overs captain Sarfraz Ahmed expressed happiness after extension to his captaincy term. He said,“ I feel humbled and honoured to have been awarded extension to my captaincy term. I have played most of my cricket under Misbah, and we know each other pretty well. I think we will make a good combination."
Regarding the return of international cricket to Pakistan, Pakistani captain pleaded to ICC and other cricket boards to help Pakistan bring international cricket back. He said," The Pakistan Cricket Board is putting all of its efforts to bring international cricket back to Pakistan, but the ICC and other boards also need to support PCB."
Sri Lanka's tour of Pakistan is going to be a critical step towards the revival of international cricket in Pakistan. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the government of Pakistan will make sure that they provide the best possible security to guests and more and more teams to visit Pakistan.
