Sarfraz Ahmed appointed Pakistan T20 captain

Wicket-keeper batsman Sarfraz Ahmed has been appointed as the T20 captain for Pakistan. The news has been announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following the compilation of the reports and suggestions sent in by former cricketers as well as players. Shahid Afridi, the captain of the Pakistan side for the recently concluded World T20 stepped down following a horrific performance in the tournament. Coach Waqar Younis also parted ways with the establishment after tendering a ‘scathing’ report.

While multiple reports were received by the PCB containing reasons for the loss, it was evident that the board had to make wholesale changes in the setup. Of these reports received, Waqar Younis and team manager Inthikab Alam had reported that the leadership qualities of 36-year old Shahid Afridi were under par. In addition, the fact finding committee had allegedly suggested that it’d be best to appoint Sarfraz Ahmed to the post of Pakistan skipper.

PCB chairman Shahryar Khan released a statement, christening the appointment of Sarfraz to the role of T20 skipper. The chairman also added that the wicket-keeper batsman was the natural choice to be named skipper before wishing him luck to take on the new role. Misbah-ul-Haq and Azhar Ali will continue in their captaincy roles for the Test and ODI formats respectively.

Commenting of this development Chairman PCB said “I spoke to Sarfraz this morning and conveyed to him that he was our natural choice for this position. His appointment is open-ended. I wish him good luck in his new role”.

Despite the axe’s staying, Shahid Afridi tendered his resignation as skipper of the Pakistan T20 side shortly after their ousting from the competition.

The PCB is also on the lookout for a replacement for Waqar Younis’ position as head coach. Former Pakistan cricketers Rameez Raja and Wasim Akram will be assisting the PCB in making the decision.

Shahid Afridi stepped down as Pakistan skipper earlier – Shahid Afridi drops retirement plan, steps down as captain