Shoaib Malik Responds After Sarfaraz Ahmed Is Confirmed As Pakistan Captain For ICC World Cup 2019

Pakistan Cricket Board, on Tuesday, finally ended the speculations surrounding their captain for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019 in England and Wales.  There were huge doubts over Sarfaraz’s captaincy in the wake of the controversy in South Africa. The wicketkeeper-batsman had racially abused South Africa allrounder Andile Phehlukwayo during the second ODI and had received a four-match ban from the ICC. Shoaib Malik had led Pakistan in the following games.

A miffed PCB had then called Sarfaraz back to Pakistan while making it clear that they were not happy with ICC’s verdict. Rumours then circulated that PCB had a policy of appointing captains on series-by-series basis, thus raising more doubts over Sarfaraz’s future as the leader of the team. However, the PCB has now ended all the speculations while confirming that Sarfaraz will lead the side in the showpiece event.

“Sarfaraz has been an integral part of the Pakistan’s World Cup preparations. He has proved to be a good strategist, leader and performer,” PCB chairman Ehsan Mani said on Tuesday. “He led Pakistan to the Champions Trophy 2017 title as well as to top of the ICC T20I rankings.”

Mani also confirmed that Sarfaraz’s position as captain will only be re-evaluated after the World Cup.

“There were a lot of speculations around captaincy in media but I can confirm that he is our captain and he will remain for the upcoming series against Australia until World Cup,”  Mani said. “I had no doubt about it but it’s unfortunate the uncertainty is making rounds over and over in media. We are not concerned at all about what is being discussed around.

After the news, veteran batsman Shoaib Malik took to Twitter to congratulate Sarfaraz. There were reports that not all was well between Malik and Sarfaraz. The rumours surfaced as soon as Malik took charge of the team in Sarfaraz’s absence in South Africa.

“Mubarak @SarfarazA_54 on the World Cup captaincy announcement. May we win this cup like we did last time in England iA,” wrote Shoaib Malik.

Mubarak @SarfarazA_54 on the World Cup captaincy announcement. May we win this cup like we did last time in England iA

— Shoaib Malik ?? (@realshoaibmalik) February 5, 2019

Sarfaraz was also quick to acknowledge the message from Shoaib Malik, replying:

“In shaa Allah Shoaib bhai thanks :)”

In shaa Allah Shoaib bhai thanks 🙂

— Sarfaraz Ahmed (@SarfarazA_54) February 5, 2019