Sarfaraz Ahmed could have been the vice-captain for Pakistan's tour of Sri Lanka: Rashid Latif

Former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif has opened up about Sarfaraz Ahmed not being given vice-captaincy ahead of Mohammad Rizwan. Notably, Pakistan are all set to begin the 2023-25 cycle of the World Test Championship with their tour to Sri Lanka in July. The Pakistan Cricket Board announced a strong 16-member squad for the two-match series, with Babar Azam continuing as the captain.

The team has have beefed up their coaching staff with the addition of former South African pacer Morne Morkel, who joins as the bowling coach for the important tour. Morkel has signed a six-month contract. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan will be Babar's deputy in the series. 

Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is also in the side after he bagged the Player of the Series award against New Zealand earlier this year, when he scored 335 runs in the two Tests at home. Meanwhile, Latif opined that Sarfaraz will get the nod in the playing XI due to his form and he deserves to be made the vice-captain. 

"Sarfaraz is the kind of player they [PCB] could have named the vice-captain on this tour. He is capable. He made a comeback after Rizwan's drop in form. Sarfaraz will be part of the playing XI due to previous performance. So retaining Rizwan as vice-captain is not justifiable," Latif said on YouTube channel.

"I think Babar should be captain in all formats. However, don't give anyone undue favours and make him vice-captain. If there is anyone else deserving of a leadership role in Tests, then that person is Sarfaraz and no one else" he added.

Shaheen Afridi to play Test cricket after one year

In what comes as a delight for cricket enthusiasts, star pacer Shaheen Afridi will be back playing red-ball cricket for his country. The left-arm bowler has been named in the squad to travel to Sri Lanka next month. Shaheen's last Test appearance came against Sri Lanka in July 2022 in Galle. He had suffered a knee injury while fielding during the match. The 23-year-old has picked up 99 wickets in 25 Test matches, averaging 24.87.