The unexpected releases and decisive capability of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have this time angered Pakistani cricket fans. Apparently, the consistently poor performance of the national cricket team had to break down for improvement. The non-serious attitude of national cricketers was much evident in the recent Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan as well. This week, PCB after contemplating with the managing team sacked Sarfaraz Ahmed off captaincy but Pakistanis are not happy with the decision.
PCB sacked Sarfaraz Ahmed off captaincy!
In Sri Lanka’s recent promotional series in Pakistan, the below-par performance of the national cricket squad was condemnable. Since the tour ended earlier this month, rumors started pouring in that Sarfaraz Ahmed might lose captaincy on it. Yesterday, on Friday, the news came in that the former team captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been ousted from captaincy but Pakistanis are supporting him.
Azhar Ali and Babar Azam to lead the Pakistan Cricket Team!
PCB have appointed Azhar Ali as national cricket team captain for Pakistan’s World Test Championship matches in the 2019-20 season, whilst Babar Azam has been named captain of the T20I side until next year’s ICC T20 World Cup Australia 2020 #Cricket
— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) October 18, 2019
Sarfaraz Ahmed has been dismissed of leading duties from both Twenty Twenty International (T20I) and Test match formats. Decided by PCB, batsman Azhar Ali is now the captain for Test matches while Babar Azam will lead the T20 internationals. Apparently, Pakistan became the best T20 internationals team under Sarfaraz Ahmed’s captaincy. Grabbing such a notion, cricket fans think it’s unfair to take decisions based on one bad series.
Upon becoming the Test captain, Azhar Ali expressed, “There’s no bigger honor than to captain Pakistan in the pinnacle format of the game. I feel humbled, excited and privileged and with the support of the team, look forward to justifying the faith that’s been entrusted upon me for the World Test Championship.”
Azhar Ali said: "There's no bigger honour than to captain Pakistan in the pinnacle format of the game. I feel humbled, excited & privileged & with the support of the team, look forward to justifying the faith that's been entrusted upon me for the World Test Championship" #Cricket
— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) October 18, 2019
Pakistan’s elite batsman Babar Azam stated, “To be named the captain of the No. 1 ranked side is the biggest thing that’s happened to my career to date. I’m ready for this challenge and also willing to learn more. I feel it’s been a natural progression for me and I’m delighted PCB’s put faith in my capabilities.”
Babar Azam "To be named captain of the No.1 ranked side is the biggest thing that's happened to my career to date. I'm ready for this challenge & also willing to learn more. I feel it's been a natural progression for me & I'm delighted PCB's put faith in my capabilities" #Cricket
— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) October 18, 2019
PCB, under Misbah ul Haq’s selecting powers, stripped Sarfraz Ahmed off captaincy and the Australian tour. Sources say that Haq wasn’t pleased by the team’s performance in the Sri Lanka series at all. To appoint Azhar Ali and Babar Azam as captains of the national team was also made in response to that. Moreover, the name who will head the One Day International (ODI) format hasn’t been disclosed yet by the PCB.
Pakistan reacts to Sarfaraz Ahmed’s dismissal!
Reportedly, Babar Azam will lead the Pakistan cricket team in the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC)’s T20 World Cup. Believed to take place by the start of next year in Australia, the former captain isn’t added in that series too. Apparently, the immediate removal of Sarfaraz Ahmed from captaincy has created a panic among Pakistanis. Hashtag #WeStandWithSarfaraz is trending on Twitter and other digital platforms are filled with protesting sights.
Karachites are holding a protest tomorrow to demand fair treatment from PCB for Sarfaraz Ahmed!
A demonstration is being held on Sunday at Frere Hall Karachi in protest of the treatment given to Sarfaraz by @TheRealPCB pic.twitter.com/cSvfXJklOz
— Mirza Iqbal Baig (@mirzaiqbal80) October 19, 2019
Exactly! How can the board make this big of a decision based on just one series?
PCB should bring him back in T20
You can't judge a guy & his acumen by one bad game.
He won 12 consecutive games for Pakistan & made it number one
Fuck @TheRealPCB ?#westandwithsarfaraz— @dnan Kamboh (@beingIKlover) October 19, 2019
Unfortunately, this might be true!
A preplaned propaganda to remove sarfraz as a captain. All the players did not play in t20's and made alliance against him. Now the picture is more clear, for the white wash defeat against srilanka.#WeStandWithSarfaraz pic.twitter.com/SjREemblk1
— Hani Qureshi (@HaniQureshi5) October 19, 2019
The ‘Champions Trophy’ was fantastic!
@SarfarazA_54! The Pakistan Cricket and cricket lovers thank you for your services! You are indeed Champ of our hearts! Waiting for your comeback! #SarfarazAhmed #WestandwithSarfaraz #ThankuSarfaraz pic.twitter.com/2eUQCTcEz9
— Mr. Pakistan (@real_mrpak) October 18, 2019
Dirty politics!
Complete agenda has been set by @Misbah and @waqyounis99 towards destruction of the @TheRealPCB Bright chances for @KamiAkmal23 to get selected in the squad in upcoming series or later after the series.#WeStandWithSarfaraz
— Uzair Fasihi (@fasihi87) October 18, 2019
The current year is serving a bit harsh on Pakistani cricket crazies as major unexpected changes have taken place. Earlier this year, fast bowler Mohammad Amir’s early retirement from a particular format disappointed many. Now, seeing Sarfraz Ahmed leaving the captaincy decorum is making Pakistanis raise their voices against accumulated biasness. Well, the protests and chants have started in favor of Sarfraz to make PCB realize its mistake.
What do you think of Sarfraz Ahmed’s removal? Write to us in the comments section below!
