MANCHESTER Under fire from all quarters, Pakistan’s embattled captainSarfraz Ahmed got a pleasant surprise on Tuesday.
In the aftermath of Pakistan’s catastrophic World Cup defeat againstarch-rivals India at Old Trafford on Sunday, Sarfraz and his team-mateshave been at the centre of intense criticism. There are even calls for hishead to roll as Pakistan face an early exit from the World Cup aftermanaging just three points from five matches.
Such severe has been the criticism that Pakistan’s players especiallySarfraz are even scared of picking up their phones. But on Tuesdayafternoon, Sarfraz got a call he knew he had to answer.
It was a call from Pakistan cricket legend Zaheer Abbas.
The former Pakistan captain, who is also a former President of theInternational Cricket Council (ICC), told Sarfraz to face the criticismbravely and answer his critics by a series of forceful performances in theremaining four matches of the World Cup.
“You should be courageous,” Zaheer told Sarfraz. “I know a lot of fans andcritics are launching serious attacks at you and the team but you shouldface all of it bravely. The best way to deal with it is to stay completelyfocused and give your best in the remaining matches of the World Cup. Youcan’t give up,” he added.
Zaheer, who was Pakistan’s team manager back in 2006, also told Sarfraz tolead from the front and take bold decisions in the coming World Cup games.
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“You are the captain of the Pakistan team. You should take advice fromothers around you but the final decision on important issues should beyours. You have to lead by example.”
Zaheer stressed that Sarfraz should boost the morale of his team-mates.
“You should sit down with the player and pump them up. They need theircaptain’s support. We all know that Pakistan is facing a tough situationbut we also know that the World Cup is not over for us. We have to win theremaining matches and for that you will need the best from your players.”
Sarfraz was pleased to hear the pep talk from Zaheer, one of the greatestcricketers of all-time.
