Has PCB decided to move on from former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed?

Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, who has represented Pakistan in 49 Tests, 117 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and 61 T20 Internationals, has reportedly been given a silent nudge towards retirement after being dropped from the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) central contracts list. This omission is being seen as an indication from the PCB that Sarfaraz may no longer be part of their future plans as an active player.

Sarfaraz, once a favored figure in Pakistan cricket, has gradually found himself distanced from both the national team and official PCB planning. He was part of Pakistan's 15-member squad for the first Test against England, but a committee including Aaqib Javed, Azhar Ali, Aleem Dar, and Asad Shafiq decided to send him home along with players like Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah. 

Pakistan's upcoming tour of Australia also sees no place for Sarfaraz, further signaling that he may have played his last international match. His last appearance in a Test was in December 2023 in Hobart, Australia. He played his last ODI against South Africa in 2021 and his final T20 International in Mirpur, Bangladesh, during the 2021-22 season. Additionally, Sarfaraz's name was not listed in the recently announced squads for the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan's premier domestic competition.

Although Sarfaraz is among the five mentors appointed by the PCB, his potential retirement could pave the way for more significant roles within the board. There is speculation that post-retirement, Sarfaraz may be offered further responsibilities to support young cricketers, utilizing his vast experience in a mentoring or coaching capacity for Pakistan’s future talents.