Sarfaraz should concentrate on limited-overs cricket: Qasim

Former Pakistan Chief Selector Iqbal Qasim believes that the Men in Green captain Sarfaraz Ahmed should shift his focus towards limited-overs cricket.

While talking to Cricket Pakistan in an exclusive interview, Qasim said that the burden on leading the side in all three formats is hampering the wicketkeeper-batsman’s performance.  

“I think Sarfaraz should step down from Test captaincy and concentrate on limited-overs cricket because the burden on captaincy in all three formats is affecting his performance,” said Qasim.

Responding to a question about who should lead the side in Test cricket, Qasim said: “I think the cricket committee and especially Misbah is better equipped to answer this question because he has led the team in the recent past. PCB should shortlist few names and conduct interviews before making taking a decision.”

Misbah top contender for Pakistan’s head coach position

Qasim, who is regarded as one of the heroes of Pakistan’s 1987 Bangalore Test win against India, also stressed on the importance of formulising a plan of action for the future. 

“I think we should learn from the mistakes made in the 2019 World Cup and plan accordingly for the 2023 mega event,” he said. “The PCB Cricket Committee should assess the performance of players, selection committee and team management and share their evaluation findings.”

The 66-year-old also backed local cricketers for the head coach role of the Pakistan team.

“I think we should trust local cricketers for the coaching role,” he said. “Former cricketers like Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Yousaf, Misbahul Haq and Mohsin Khan should be given the opportunity. One of these cricketers might prove beneficial in taking Pakistan cricket forward.”

Arthur removed as PCB looks to revamp coaching setup

Qasim also hoped that the change in domestic structure will bring a positive change in Pakistan cricket. 

“If PCB and its Patron-in-Chief Imran Khan have decided to discontinue departmental cricket in Pakistan, they must have taken that step for the betterment of Pakistan cricket but only time will tell whether this is the right decision or not,” he concluded.