Sarfraz Ahmed admits that Pakistan cricket is going through tough times due to the PSL scandal

Pakistan’s new ODI and T20I captain Sarfraz Ahmed has been avoiding speaking on the PSL spot-fixing scandal, which rocked the cricket community in Pakistan, but he did admit that the country’s cricket was going through testing times due to the unethical incident.

Terming the approaching West Indies as a big challenge for Pakistan, the wicketkeeper-batsman spoke to media on the eve of the team’s departure to the Caribbean. He said that the first target was to win the three-match ODI series and qualify directly for the next World Cup.

“I don’t want to comment on the PSL issue but yes we are going through tough times and we need to do well in the coming series to boost our people,” he said.

Much like in 2010, Pakistan cricket team will again have to do a lot to overcome the recent PSL scandal, which has led to the suspension of five players. During England tour of 2010, three players – the then captain Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamir – were involved in spot-fixing and banned for five years.

Sarfraz had earlier said that Pakistan would miss opener Sharjeel Khan’s service in the West Indies since he is also one of the 5 suspended in connection with the spot-fixing scandal.

On the other hand, Pakistan’s head coach Mickey Arthur said that the involvement of his players was disappointing, but it is time to move on.

“Look what happened with Sharjeel and Khalid it is past now and although it is very disappointing one has to move ahead. Players need to take more responsibility, especially after this incident,” Arthur said.

Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to provisionally suspend all those investigated and are suspects in corruption charges is an excellent stance to completely eradicate the menace of spot-fixing from the gentleman’s game. They have also set up a tribute to hear the case and the side of the players.