Wasim Akram Backs Safaraz Ahmed As Pakistan's Skipper for the World Cup

Former Pakistan Cricket team skipper Wasim Akram has backed current skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed for the upcoming 2019 ICC World Cup in England and Wales. Meanwhile, Ahmed attracted a lot of criticism for his recent racist taunt during the second ODI against South Africa.

Meanwhile, International Cricket Council (ICC) have finally come out with their verdict on the controversial racist remarks during the second ODI against South Africa. Sarfaraz has issued an apology for his taunts saying that he didn’t want to upset anyone. Moreover, he also met with Andile Phehlukwayo, to whom Sarfaraz directed the comments and apologised him personally.

As a result, Sarfaraz Ahmed will miss the last two ODIs and the two T20Is against South Africa.  Wasim Akram said that with very less time to go for the World Cup, there is no better alternative available to replace Sarfaraz.

“We no longer have the time to change the captain. Sarfraz is a passionate captain and also there is no alternative choice available,” The Express Tribune quoted Akram.

He won’t repeat in future

Speaking on the racist taunts, Wasim Akram admitted that it was a mistake from Sarfaraz Ahmed’s part. Along with it, he also added that he has acknowledged the mistake and is not likely to repeat again.

“Sarfaraz made a mistake but he admitted it and hopefully won’t repeat such a thing in the future. Calling him back from the tour is not a good decision,” Akram added.

Meanwhile, Shoaib Malik will slot in place of Sarfaraz Ahmed to lead the side. He has a lot of experience behind his back. The series is currently tied at 2-2 and Pakistan will look to win the ODI series after a disappointing 3-0 loss in the Test series.

Sarfaraz Ahmed will return to the country and the selectors have named Mohammad Rizwan as his replacement for the T20Is. However, they have not named any replacement for the ODIs.