Sarfaraz Ahmed urges former cricketers to avoid personal criticism

Former Pakistan captain and Quetta Gladiators' Team Director, Sarfaraz Ahmed, has called on ex-cricketers to focus their criticism on players' performances rather than making personal attacks.

In an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan, Sarfaraz shared his concerns over the harsh and personal nature of criticism often seen in the country, especially when the national team is under pressure.

“When I was playing, I saw former players being critical. Now that I’m not playing, I still see it,” Sarfaraz said. 

“I always say that a player should be judged on performance, not personal matters. Those who have played cricket should remember the challenges they themselves faced and give fair and balanced analysis,” he added. 

He highlighted that countries like South Africa, England, and Australia also face early exits from tournaments, but the kind of personal remarks made in Pakistan’s media are rarely seen elsewhere.

Sarfaraz backed the current squad which was selected for the ICC Champions Trophy and New Zealand tour, saying the choices were right, but unfortunately, the results didn’t go in Pakistan’s favor.

“People talk about how five chairmen and six coaches have changed, which is true, but if you look at the playing group, the core remains the same. These 7-8 senior players have been part of the team for years. It's their responsibility to pull Pakistan out of tough situations,” he emphasized. 

He also reflected on Pakistan’s rich cricketing legacy, naming icons like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Javed Miandad, Hanif Mohammad, Zaheer Abbas, Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Yousuf, Younis Khan, and Misbah-ul-Haq, who served the country with distinction.

“Pakistan has always produced top-class players. We've won three major ICC events — the 1992 ODI World Cup, the 2009 T20 World Cup, and the 2017 Champions Trophy. These achievements are proof of our cricketing strength. Pakistan even became the No. 1 ranked Test side twice — once under Misbah in 2016 and before that during the late '80s or '90s,” he said.

Sarfaraz concluded by saying that it’s now the responsibility of current players, especially senior members, to uphold that legacy and help Pakistan reclaim its place among the best in the world.