Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has recently dropped a hint on his possible retirement from international cricket. Sarfaraz is a big name in Pakistan cricket and is regarded as one of the most experienced players of this generation.
With the Champions Trophy to be played in just a few months, Sarfaraz was in Pakistan’s plans for the tournament. However, the hint of his retirement has taken Pakistan cricket by a huge surprise.
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Champions Trophy-winning captain Sarfaraz Ahmed drops hint on his retirement
During a press conference on the eve of the Champions T20 Cup recently, Sarfaraz Ahmed was asked about his future for Pakistan in international cricket. The wicketkeeper responded to the question in his own sarcastic way. Without specifically saying anything, he claimed that the announcement of the retirement would be happening soon.
“Look, as far as my career is concerned. I think I don’t need to say anything. Nothing is left. I know what you are waiting for and it will happen soon,” Sarfaraz said to the reporters.
Qs: What is the future of your career for Pakistan? Sarfaraz Ahmed sarcastically hints his retirement. #PCB pic.twitter.com/7shpgd2sbq
— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) December 6, 2024
Mohammad Rizwan’s emergence
Sarfaraz Ahmed has been on the sidelines of the national team for a while now. Ever since Mohammad Rizwan’s emergence as a first-choice wicketkeeper in the team, Sarfaraz’s place has come under threat.
He made his way into the Test team for a brief period of time when Rizwan experienced a slight slump in form. However, he was soon replaced after his technique was found out in the bouncy Australian pitches as he failed to make a mark.
Since Mohammad Rizwan is Pakistan’s captain in both the ODIs and T20Is now, it is difficult for Sarfaraz to make it back into the Playing XI, although, he can still back himself to make a comeback as a specialist batter.
Sarfaraz Ahmed’s international records
Sarfaraz Ahmed led Pakistan to a Champions Trophy win in 2017. It was the last time when the ICC Champions Trophy was played. In the final of the tournament, Pakistan defeated India by a huge margin of 180 runs to lift the title.
Sarfaraz made his international debut way back in 2007 and has established himself as one of the finest captains in Pakistan cricket. He has played 54 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 61 T20Is so far. The 37-year-old has scored over 6000 runs in international cricket to his name.
Under his leadership, Pakistan won 11 consecutive T20I series, which is a record for a Pakistan captain. He can still be a part of Pakistan’s squad for the Champions Trophy next year given his vast experience.
While the Champions Trophy will be played next year, there is still suspense over the venue for the tournament. India have recently denied its travel to Pakistan which puts the ICC in a huge spot of bother to convince the PCB for a hybrid model.