Second choice: Inzamam slams Misbah’s statement about Sarfaraz

Former Pakistan captain Inzamamul Haq has criticised the Men in Green head coach-cum-chief selector Misbahul Haq’s recent statement about Sarfaraz Ahmed being the second choice wicketkeeper for the England tour.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the squad for the upcoming tour of England. Pakistan is scheduled to take on the home side in three Tests and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), which will be played in August-September.

Misbah, during a teleconference on Friday, said that Sarfaraz will be a perfect back-up option for wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan, who remains Pakistan’s first choice behind the wickets.

"Sarfaraz Ahmad has a good track record in England and his experience would definitely help players around. He is the second best wicket keeper after Muhammad Rizwan. He is selected as back up for England tour on basis of his performance and I hope he avails his chance," Misbah said.

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The aforementioned statement didn’t go down well with Inzamam, who argued that it can bring Sarfaraz’s morale down who is already making a comeback in the national side.

"I heard that Sarfaraz was being considered as the second choice wicketkeeper by the Pakistan team management. Sarfaraz was Pakistan captain for a long period and led the Men in Green to the Champions Trophy title. Players go through bad patches and are in and out of the team. However, we should respect our players. This statement is not good for any player and especially for someone who has served Pakistan for a long time," Inzamam said.

"When you are making a comeback after being dropped as captain, it is a very difficult task. On top of it, if you say that he is second choice as wicketkeeper, then it becomes even more challenging. Player making a comeback needs your motivation. Management needs to be careful as this kind of statement can bring his morale down," he added.

The wicket-keeper batsman was removed from captaincy and dropped from the national side after three-nil defeat to Sri Lanka in T20Is at home last year.