LAHORE – The Pakistan Cricket Board on Tuesday confirmed that SarfarazAhmed will remain captain till the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, which willbe staged in England and Wales from 30 May to 14 July.
“I am happy to confirm that Sarfaraz will remain Pakistan captain till theWorld Cup. I was always clear in my mind that Sarfaraz would be thecaptain. I was keen to speak with him on the team’s recent performances aspart of the normal review and appraisal process, and, more importantly,about his own future plans as we all know he has undergone some tough timesas a professional cricketer in the past few weeks,”said. Chairman, PCB,Ehsan Mani while addressing a news conference with Sarfraz Ahmad here atGadaffi stadium.
“Sarfaraz has reiterated his commitment to the Pakistan cricket team aswell as his availability and enthusiasm to captain the team at the WorldCup,” Mani said.
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“Sarfaraz has been an integral part of the Pakistan cricket team’s WorldCup preparations and has proved to be a good strategist, leader andperformer,” he added.Chairman PCB said ” Sarfraz led Pakistan to the ICC Champions Trophy 2017title as well as to the top of the ICC Twenty20 International rankings. Hisachievements and contributions as a captain and as a valuable all-roundcricketer cannot be undermined or overlooked because of the team’s recentTest results”.”I am confident he will continue the good work with Mickey Arthur andInzamam-ul-Haq so that the team is in the best possible shape and form toproduce strong performances at the World Cup,” Mani concluded.Sarfaraz Ahmed said: “I feel humbled and honoured to be placed in the samebracket as some of the most iconic and legendary cricketers who havepreviously captained Pakistan at World Cups. It is the dream of anyinternational cricketer to play in a World Cup, but to be appointed captainin the biggest cricket spectacle on the planet is something that isextremely special”.”The reality is that the last few weeks have been extremely difficult forme as a person and professional. But I am delighted that the PCB hasreassured its confidence and faith in me. It has boosted my confidencetremendously,” added Sarfraz.”I am convinced we are in a good shape for the World Cup. We have topquality talent and match-winners with a committed support staff in thedressing room. Everyone is geared up and keenly looking forward toreturning to the country where we won the last major ICC tournament,” hesaid “ adding “In the lead up to the World Cup, Pakistan will play fiveODIs each against Australia and England, which will also allow us theopportunity to further fine-tune our preparations. I am sure we’ll give agood account of 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. Hehas scored 1,942 runs at just under 33 and has dismissed 121 batsmen behindthe wickets. As captain, he has won 21 matches.Sarfaraz played three matches in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, finishingwith 160 runs as an opener. He also caught six batsmen at the wicket.
