Sarfaraz likely to continue as limited-overs captain

The final decision is expected to be taken with the input of the new head coach of the national cricket team

PHOTO: AFP

The speculation regarding the captaincy of current Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed might be coming to an end. The current captain is expected to resume the responsibilities of leadership in the limited overs series against Sri Lanka, later this month.

However, the final decision is expected to be taken with the input of the new head coach of the national cricket team. Pakistan’s Test batsman Azhar Ali is being considered the favourite to replace Sarfaraz as the captain of the Test side.

According to details, Pakistan’s inability to reach the semi-final stage of the 2019 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup resulted in ouster of the previous Head Coach Mickey Arthur and the supporting staff by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

There was widespread speculation about the removal of Sarfaraz from the leadership role in the aftermath of the 2019 ICC World Cup. However, according to sources, this is not the case. The current captain is expected to continue in the same role in the one-day international (ODI) and Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka.

According to sources, PCB officials had mulled over candidates for the captaincy spot, however the officials believed that no player in the current team was eligible for the responsibility. All-rounder Imad Wasim is plagued by various fitness issues, whereas many players lack the experience of leading a side.

The input of the next expected Head Coach Misbahul Haq will also be taken into account in the matter of captaincy. Sarfaraz’s tenure as the Test captain of the country is likely coming to an end. The Pakistan team currently sits at the seventh spot in the Test rankings and a new plan of action is likely to be prepared for the future.

Azhar Ali had previously captained the side; however his tenure ended in unsatisfactory circumstances. He now feels like the logical contender for the position of captain for the Test side. The Test batsman led a side in the pre-season camp as well.

The final decision on the position of captain will be undertaken by PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani. The chairman however does not seem to be in favour of change.