Akhtar, Latif slam Pakistan management for letting Sarfaraz carry drinks

Former cricketers Shoaib Akhtar and Rashid Latif have criticised the Pakistan team management for making former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed perform the 12th man duties in the ongoing Manchester Test between the Men in Green and England.

Social media was abuzz after Sarfaraz, who is part of the 16-member Pakistan squad for the aforementioned Test, was seen carrying drinks and shoes for opener Shan Masood during the 71st over of the Pakistan innings on day two.

“I didn’t like the visual. If you want to make an example out of a boy from Karachi, then it is wrong. You can’t do this to a player who has led Pakistan for four years and has won Champions Trophy for the country. You have made him carry the shoes. If he has done it himself, then stop him. Wasim Akram never brought shoes for me,” said Akhtar.

“This shows that Sarfaraz is such a docile and weak man. He must have lead Pakistan in the same way as he carried the shoes. That’s why Mickey Arthur always dominated him. I am not saying carrying the shoes is a problem, but former captain can’t do that,” he added.

Latif also questioned the intention of Pakistan team management, while pointing out that other senior players like Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz were not even in their Pakistan kits.

“Senior players like Amir and Wahab who are also sitting out, are not even in their kits. They are wearing track suits. This is not team spirit, but this is greatness of Sarfaraz because he is passionate about the game. This should not have happened,” said Latif.

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Pakistan head coach-cum-chief selector Misbahul Haq clarified that it was Sarfaraz’s turn to perform the 12th man role while other three non-playing members of the 16-man squad were practicing in the nets at that time.

“This type of discussion can only happen in Pakistan. I also performed the duties of a 12th man, when I was captain and was sitting out in a match against Australia. There is no shame in doing that,” said Misbah at the end of day’s play.

“Sarfaraz is an excellent human being and player. He knows that it is a team game. When other players are practicising outside, so the player who is available has to help out. It is not a matter of disrespect. In fact, it is big of Sarfaraz that he doesn’t mind doing it. Plus, it is a sign of a good team,” he added.