Former Pakistan fast-bowler, Aaqib Javed believes that the Men in Green captain Sarfaraz Ahmed became captain by accident and has no authority over the side.

Javed, who was part of Pakistan’s triumphant 1992 World Cup campaign, is of the opinion that Sarfaraz lacks the necessary attributes to become a good leader.  

“Since 2015, Sarfaraz has been struggling for his place in the team. He became a captain by accident as the boards make changes after every World Cup,” said Javed while speaking to Mumbai Mirror in an exclusive interview. “Since the 2017 Champions Trophy final, Pakistan have done nothing… they even lost to Australia and New Zealand in the UAE. As a captain, he can’t demand anything in front of chief selector Inzamamul Haq and Head Coach Mickey Arthur.”

The 46-year-old also had strong words for the current Pakistan fast-bowlers, while stressing on the importance of picking up wickets with the new ball.

“They have picked players who can’t handle the new ball properly,” he said. “Mohammad Amir is a strike bowler, but he cannot take a wicket in the first 25 overs. He takes wickets when the batsmen are looking for runs.”

He added: “Hasan Ali is a bad choice for a new ball. Wahab Riaz cannot bowl with a new ball — he needs an old ball, dry wicket because he banks on reverse-swing. He is not a good bowler for green tops and overcast conditions. He can be lethal, but he needs two good new ball bowlers.”

The former right-arm pacer was also not too optimistic about Pakistan’s chances of making it to the semi-finals of the mega event. The Men in Green only have three points from five games during the 2019 World Cup so far.

“Look, in Pakistan they are hopeful, but it looks like a 12-point tournament and Pakistan can’t reach 12 points. Australia are on eight points and they have two weak opponents, same goes for New Zealand. India and England are ahead of the rest and they can easily reach 12 points,” he said. “It is very clear: Australia, New Zealand, India and England. I want to see an England-India final.”

The Sarfaraz-led unit will play their next match of the event against South Africa on Sunday, June 23 at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground.