Sarfraz Ahmed’s trouble seems not ending anytime soon. A recent report from Cricbuzz suggests that Sarfraz may not get the reins of Pakistan team for the forthcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 in England. He is currently facing a four-match suspension, imposed by International Cricket Council (ICC), following his racial comments during the second ODI against South Africa.
“We never revealed the length of Sarfraz Ahmed’s tenure. We never said whether he was going to stay [as a captain] for one or two years. The PCB appoints captain on a series to series basis, and, as such, appointment for the series post PSL will be made in due course,” A PCB spokesperson quoted to Cricbuzz.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has named Shoaib Malik captain for the remaining South Africa tour, where they will play three-match T20I series after completing the fifth One-Day International.
Watch – Sarfraz Ahmad making racial comments to Andile Phehlukwayo
Sarfraz’s ban came after his racial comments to Andile Phehlukwayo were heard from the stump mic. ICC took their time before handing him a four-match suspension. Though his ban will end after the second T20 International, PCB has already sent him back home. Thus, he won’t be available for the last T20I game as well.
After this series, Pakistan Super League (PSL) will take place from February 14 to March 17. Then Australia will visit Pakistan for limited-over series in UAE. Afterward, Pakistan will tour the UK before the commencement of the World Cup 2019.
Now, the chances of Sarfraz leading Pakistan in the marquee event look quite bleak. However, Ehsan Mani, PCB chairman, mentioned during his appointment in 2018 that Sarfraz will lead Pakistan at least until World Cup.
Also Read: Sarfraz thanked PCB for handling his case well
The 31-year-old had an ordinary run with the bat in 2018. Though, his team tasted immense success in the T20 International, where they won 17 out of 19 games and reached number one position in that format. But in Tests, Pakistan slipped to the seventh position and only managed eight victories out of 17 ODI matches they played last year.
