'Who will come to watch you perform in future matches?' - Journalist misbehaves with Sarfaraz Ahmed; PCB bans him

It turned out to be a nightmare for the Pakistanis, ain’t it? What was supposed to be a fairytale homecoming has now turned into a nightmare with criticism coming thick and fold for the team management and captain Sarfaraz Ahmed. From the fans burning his effigies to social media trolling the hell out of him, to fans demanding his removal from the side to pundits peddling their agendas on their respective YouTube channels, it’s been a year to forget for Sarfaraz, really.

It all started with the 50-over World Cup in England. Following a chastening loss in the opening game against the West Indies, his subsequent “yawn” during the Indo-Pak encounter at Old Trafford’ one that eventually culminated in another defeat against their arch-rivals, became another meme material.

Fans, pundits, and everyone involved with Pakistani cricket lambasted Sarfaraz for his “lack of seriousness” and “fitness issues”. Pakistan eventually redeemed themselves with four consecutive victories but that didn’t prove to be enough as the “Green Shirts” bowed out of the tournament in the round-robin stage. 

So, when it was announced that Sri Lanka would be visiting Pakistan for a 3-match ODI series and as many T20Is, it looked like a great opportunity both for Sarfaraz and Misbah to usher Pakistan in a new era. But, the team selections gave a prudent picture that nothing was going to change. And, it happened that way. Pakistan once again embraced mediocrity and brought back tried and tested players of the past, and was eventually trumped by an exuberant Sri Lankan side.

Pressure mounts on Sarfaraz Ahmed

Sarfaraz’s own performance was nothing to write home about. Besides struggling with the bat, he looked woefully out of form behind the stumps, and following the debacle and the widespread criticism, the reports had emerged that he wouldn’t be captaining in the domestic National T20 Cup. And, now one journalist has been barred by the PCB after he misbehaved with the Pakistan captain.

The journalist had asked Sarfaraz that why would anyone come to watch him following his dismal run-of-form leading into the tournament. “Your loss against Sri Lanka has saddened the entire nation. After that poor performance will come to watch you perform in future matches?” asked Journalist to Sarfaraz.

According to Pro Pakistani website, the PCB had now suspended the accreditation of the journalist and have barred his entry from the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.

Watch the video

"You've disappointed the cricket fans so much that they've started cursing you. Who will come to see you play in the #NationalT20Cup?" – a journalist to Pak's Captain Sarfraz Ahmed

Irrespective of his form, this was very unprofessional.

[I do not own the rights to this video.] pic.twitter.com/5wzoRPY89r

— Israr Ahmed Hashmi (@IamIsrarHashmi) October 14, 2019