Sarfaraz Ahmed Should Retire From Test Match Cricket: Ramiz Raja

Ramiz Raja, former Pakistan opener, feels that the erstwhile captain and wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfaraz Ahmed should announce his retirement from Test match cricket and instead concentrate on the white-ball formats.

Sarfaraz Ahmed, who was seen performing 12th man duties during the first Test in Manchester, was sacked from the leadership role from all the three formats following Pakistan’s 0-3 drubbing at the hands of a second-string Sri Lankan side at home last year. He was also dropped from the set-up, with Muhammad Rizwan taking his place as first-choice wicket-keeper.

”In my book, I am clear once you have been captain and remained on a pedestal then it is very difficult to come down and be on the bench,” Ramiz Raja said on the Youtube channel, ‘Cricket Baaz

”I would advise Sarfaraz to think about it and retire from Test cricket and just focus on white ball cricket, a format in which he is very good and known for his aggression,” he added.

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‘I don’t see him getting a chance in the Test format’- Ramiz Raja on Sarfaraz Ahmed

There was a huge controversy in Pakistan after Sarfaraz Ahmed was seen carrying drinks on the field for his fellow teammates. Reacting to the furore that ensued, Ramiz said that senior players of Sarfaraz’s stature is not a rare thing in cricket, but it is something that is frowned upon in Pakistan.

There is nothing wrong with that because even James Anderson carried drinks when he didn’t play in the second Test against West Indies. But in our cricket culture these things are not looked upon nicely and if they involve a former captain,” Raja said.

The former opener also added that the presence of Sarfaraz Ahmed is also putting undue pressure on Muhammad Rizwan, who was brilliant behind the wickets in the last game. He also reckoned that Ahmed should focus on white-ball cricket as he doesn’t see him breaking into the Test set-up.

“He being in the Test squad also adds pressure on Muhammad Rizwan who knows there is a former captain keeper breathing down his neck and that is not good for him. I think Sarfaraz should not be on the bench. He should call it a day from Test cricket. I don’t see him getting a chance in the Test format soon so he should focus on white ball cricket where he will play and be respected as well,” he added.

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