"I have done very well in fitness tests; who says my weight is on the high side?" : Sarfaraz Ahmed

[Varun]

Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed speaking to media

"Pakistan squad has decided to donate PKR 32 Lakhs for Diamer-Bhasha Dam fund, 16 players have decided to give 2 Lakhs each " : Sarfaraz

Our preparations for Asia Cup have been very good ;even though the weather here was very hot we practiced for 4 days and played a practice game as well "

"I am doing my best to improve my batting and try and do well for the team whenever I get a chance"

"If you are referring to the previous tour, I only got a chance to bat in T20Is and you all know how I did there"

"Asia Cup is a big event and top teams of Asia are playing in it so we are going in with good preparation"

"As I said before momentum is important in such tournaments as we saw in the Champions Trophy where we got momentum after defeating South Africa and we carried that all the way into the final"

"Our morale is high and we will hope to get momentum from the first game and take it forward"

"I have done very well in fitness tests and who says my weight is on the high side?"

"Whenever there is a big series then we always take a backup keeper"

"It's not like I am not taking another keeper as backup"

"I have just started playing so if I ask team management for rest then what will that look like?!"

"Look, Virat Kohli may have his own issues so he asked his board for rest so I can't say much about that"

"The pitches in UAE are slow so spinners will play an important role there"

"In terms of strategy, we will look to score 300+ if we bat first as we have bowlers who can defend this target"

From what I see all teams are good and even Hong Kong's team has qualified after playing quality competitive cricket

Each team will have to play good cricket if we wish to win this event

Both Salman Butt and Kamran Akmal are performing well and whenever there is a place or when selectors feel it right they will be given a chance

All the good keepers (backups) are either training in the academy or are with A team

Our journey to the 2019 World Cup begins with this Asia Cup

We are trying to sort problems with losing early wickets which we saw in NZ

Our fitness is upto the mark now, our total team average used to be 17.6 or 17.7 now its 18.6

Inzi bhai has said clearly that its not the case that Hafeez is not required any more


Hafeez is part of our main pool of players for the 2019 World

There is always criticism when you don't perform

Thankfully I haven't encountered any serious criticism yet although get some bits

We dont have a 150kph fast bowler yet but Hasan Ali is improving and his pace is improving

We do have experienced bowlers in shape of Amir and Junaid Khan and its not just pace that matters

[MenInG]

Sarfaraz taken back a bit about questions on his weight

[SensiblePakFan]

he doesnt have to respond, the reports are clear.

[Mohammad zuber]

Sarfaraz taken back a bit about questions on his weight

His lack of runs actually diverted people on his fitness

[Syed1]

Difference between Kohli and Sarfaraz:

"I have just started playing so if I ask team management for rest then what will that look like?!"

[light]

Difference between Kohli and Sarfaraz:

"I have just started playing so if I ask team management for rest then what will that look like?!"

Comparing Safraz the "player" with Kohli the "player" - not captain - is like trying to compare a Honda civic with a Ferrari. That my friend is the difference between these two ...

[Syed1]

Comparing Safraz the "player" with Kohli the "player" - not captain - is like trying to compare a Honda civic with a Ferrari. That my friend is the difference between these two ...

Both the Ferari and Civic were taken on the same track while the Ferari rested on its laurels and was busy showing off its excellent shape and style, the Civic finished the lap with flying colors. A la Champions Trophy and Tour of England.

[jeeteshssaxena]

Both the Ferari and Civic were taken on the same track while the Ferari rested on its laurels and was busy showing off its excellent shape and style, the Civic finished the lap with flying colors. A la Champions Trophy and Tour of England.

OK i get it ,SARFARAZ is a better player than kohli.Congrats you have an atg wicketkeeper.

[light]

Both the Ferari and Civic were taken on the same track while the Ferari rested on its laurels and was busy showing off its excellent shape and style, the Civic finished the lap with flying colors. A la Champions Trophy and Tour of England.

Tour of England was not bad for him since he did score heavily, unlike his team mates. You seem to like bringing around CT quite often with wtv argument. Well Kohli was part of a WC champion team, won U19 WC aswell. So CT > WC? At the end of the day, Kohli will be known as an ATG where as not many will remember Safraz the player (unless Pakistan wins the WC in 2019 - which I believe you guys have a great shot at with the new bunch of players).

[Syed1]

Tour of England was not bad for him since he did score heavily, unlike his team mates. You seem to like bringing around CT quite often with wtv argument. Well Kohli was part of a WC champion team, won U19 WC aswell. So CT > WC? At the end of the day, Kohli will be known as an ATG where as not many will remember Safraz the player (unless Pakistan wins the WC in 2019 - which I believe you guys have a great shot at with the new bunch of players).

I'm comparing CAPTAINCY of both players. CAPTAINCY!

[Hasan123]

Ok you have sorted your fitness out . Now sort your performance out.

[Slim]

I love how our players are refraining from commenting on India. Good to see we havent lowered ourselves to the level of Sehwag, Ganguly, Harbhajan etc.

[Savak]

Sarfaraz weight was on the higher side, any neutral observer could tell his running b/w the wickets had suffered.

Maybe he has lost the weight now perhaps.

[PakLFC]

So what if Sarfaraz enjoys a few mince paratha's!! There is nothing wrong with it as long as he takes his catches and scores some runs

[MMHS]

If his score is 18.2, then he must have improved at a standard scale. Whether that's sufficient or not for a WK-Captain in 3 formats only time'll tell; but guy should be praised for his efforts. At this age, it's not easy to reduce weight without sacrificing power, and he'll need lots of power & stamina in his role - that's keeping for 50 overs in UAE heat & then bat at 4. I think, he himself is aware that fitness & body weight is an issue for him, hence gets agitated whenever asked such questions.

[Adijazz1706]

If his score is 18.2, then he must have improved at a standard scale. Whether that's sufficient or not for a WK-Captain in 3 formats only time'll tell; but guy should be praised for his efforts. At this age, it's not easy to reduce weight without sacrificing power, and he'll need lots of power & stamina in his role - that's keeping for 50 overs in UAE heat & then bat at 4. I think, he himself is aware that fitness & body weight is an issue for him, hence gets agitated whenever asked such questions.

I personally think Haris should be at 4 with Sarfaraz at 5 and Malik - Asif - Shadab - Hasan -Amir -Shaheen. Batting at 4 after keeping in UAE is no easy task especially with Sarfi's playing style

[MMHS]

I personally think Haris should be at 4 with Sarfaraz at 5 and Malik - Asif - Shadab - Hasan -Amir -Shaheen. Batting at 4 after keeping in UAE is no easy task especially with Sarfi's playing style

It's a compromise call between No. 4 & 5. No. 5 needs to be more brutal with instant hitting power, while No. 4 needs to be more complete, who has multiple gear and lots of stamina to bat for long. A 23 ball 35 might be good for No. 5 (6), while No. 4 often has to bat for 25+ overs.

Between these tow positions, in terms of cricket - I don't think Sarfraz is best fit for No. 5, he doesn't have the power game. But, he can serve at 4, as he is better player of spin; but it'll demand better fitness, stamina and endurance for long term (being Captain, he can't play 3 games and rest the 4th one with pulled hammi).

As I read, he has improved his fitness significantly, might have lost weight as well, I'll take a chance with him at 4 and test his endurance, rather than putting him at 5 and expect performance out of his range. Haris actually shouldn't be in playing XI, unless they go for 7 batsmen strategy - ideally, now it's a choice between Malik & Haris, specialist batsman who can bowl a bit. If Haris is to play, her should bat in top 4, if not 3 - may be Babar, FZ/Haris or Haris/FZ in top 3, but that takes Imam out which is unfair after his ZIM tour.

[Cpt. Rishwat]

If his score is 18.2, then he must have improved at a standard scale. Whether that's sufficient or not for a WK-Captain in 3 formats only time'll tell; but guy should be praised for his efforts. At this age, it's not easy to reduce weight without sacrificing power, and he'll need lots of power & stamina in his role - that's keeping for 50 overs in UAE heat & then bat at 4. I think, he himself is aware that fitness & body weight is an issue for him, hence gets agitated whenever asked such questions.

He was clearly overweight previously, hopefully he is now showing indignation because he has got himself in better shape, in which case the criticism will have done him good.

[MMHS]

He was clearly overweight previously, hopefully he is now showing indignation because he has got himself in better shape, in which case the criticism will have done him good.

Hope for the best - he is leading the side well, but he isn't good enough Captain to deserve a spot, making it a 10 men + Captain situation, actually no one in Cricket, you have to lead from the front, at least you can't be a baggage as Captain.

If PAK Captain needs criticism to realize that he needs to improve his fitness, that doesn't tell a good story though - he should handle himself better against such questions, otherwise people'll get under his skin too easily. I didn't hear the voice, but wording tells me that it was a response from anger.

[TeymurBlake]

Its good that he worked on his fitness. But now the focus will be on his performances. He must perform with the busy schedule Pakistan have coming up, they will need there captain to perform and lead from the front.

[TeamPak95]

I'm not too hellbent on his fitness as long as he's scoring runs, the numbers aint lying.

[kuskash]

Difference between Kohli and Sarfaraz:

"I have just started playing so if I ask team management for rest then what will that look like?!"

I think Kohli did a serious crime by asking and having rest. Should be punished heavily. He is not suppossed to skip mighty Asia cup.

[Mamoon]

Difference between Kohli and Sarfaraz:

"I have just started playing so if I ask team management for rest then what will that look like?!"

If Sarfraz was an ATG player and the best performer in the world let alone in the team, he would have deserved a rest from an irrelevant tournament like the Asia Cup.

However, that is not the case. He is a mediocre player whose individual performance has been substandard for a while now, and he is probably the last player in the team who deserves a rest.

[waleed88]

Sarfraz looks fitter than before in this conference I saw on facebook live of PCB

[MenInG]

KARACHI: Former Captain Moin Khan on Monday called on the Pakistan cricket authorities for giving Sarfraz Ahmed a long run as captain of Pakistan and said the wicketkeeper-batsman should be appointed skipper till the World Cup 2019 to ensure that he carries the best team combination to the mega event.

Speaking to Dawn on Monday, Moin said: “Sarfraz is a fighter who has led the national team superbly in all the formats so far. So I strongly recommend to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to announce him as skipper till the World Cup 2019 so that he is able to groom and build a winning combination of players for the mega event in England.”

Moin, who was part of the 1992 World Cup winning team as wicketkeeer-batsman, observed that Sarfraz had infused a tremendous fighting spirit into the side and the Pakistan team is displaying mental toughness as well as competitive cricket while taking on all oppositions in world cricket.

“I have seldom seen our team making so many good comebacks that they have done in all formats of the game in recent times,” added Moin. “The manner in which we bounced back to win the Champions Trophy in England last year, and then again in the final against Australia in the tri-series in Zimbabwe last month was a treat to watch.”

Moin also praised Sarfraz for giving confidence to so many young players by giving them a fair run at international games. “There are more than a dozen young and talented players who have blossomed as match-winners for Pakistan under the able leadership of Sarfraz,” he said. “Chop and change is not Sarfraz’s idea of cricket and he deserves the credit for giving a fair run to so many youngsters in the last two years which has paid off in a handsome manner for our cricket.”

“I feel that Sarfraz highly deserves a longer run as captain now after having proved his credentials, and urge the PCB to announce him as captain till the next year’s World Cup.”


https://www.dawn.com/news/1432182/sa...ults-moin-khan

[kuskash]

Both the Ferari and Civic were taken on the same track while the Ferari rested on its laurels and was busy showing off its excellent shape and style, the Civic finished the lap with flying colors. A la Champions Trophy and Tour of England.

Bhai, dont make fool of yourself. If you only consider them as players, no comparison exists. Kohli asked for rest now, difficult to understand why do you need to bring CT to prove your point? Pak has comprehensively won CT fair and square, no one denies it. I also expect Pak to win WC, but as players no comparison.

[Syed1]

Bhai, dont make fool of yourself. If you only consider them as players, no comparison exists. Kohli asked for rest now, difficult to understand why do you need to bring CT to prove your point? Pak has comprehensively won CT fair and square, no one denies it. I also expect Pak to win WC, but as players no comparison.

Where did I compare them as players? You are the one who just made a fool out of yourself.

[Syed1]

Funny when you compare Sarfaraz and Kohli's performance as captains, Indians and psuedo-Indians bring Kohli's performance as a player to defend him.


Kohli is not even fit to polish Sarfaraz's shoes as captain.

[Sachin136]

Funny when you compare Sarfaraz and Kohli's performance as captains, Indians and psuedo-Indians bring Kohli's performance as a player to defend him.


Kohli is not even fit to polish Sarfaraz's shoes as captain.

India hasn't lost multiple home series under Kohli. They're ranked #1 in tests and #2 in ODIs under him. Pakistan is ranked #7 and #5 in ODIs under Sarfaraz. So what performances are you talking about (apart from the CT)?

[leg-side-flick]

india hasn't lost multiple home series under kohli. They're ranked #1 in tests and #2 in odis under him. Pakistan is ranked #7 and #5 in odis under sarfaraz. So what performances are you talking about (apart from the ct)?

t 20

[Hasan123]

India hasn't lost multiple home series under Kohli. They're ranked #1 in tests and #2 in ODIs under him. Pakistan is ranked #7 and #5 in ODIs under Sarfaraz. So what performances are you talking about (apart from the CT)?

He looses the plot when it comes to Sarfraz. Sarfraz tactics are rubbish and netrual poster can see Kohli is a vastly superior captain. The funniest thing is he doesn't rate the Indian bowling attack yet they are ranked number 1 in tests and number 2 in ODIs. Also he doesn't rate Kohli as a captain. So don't take him too seriously.

[kuskash]

Funny when you compare Sarfaraz and Kohli's performance as captains, Indians and psuedo-Indians bring Kohli's performance as a player to defend him.


Kohli is not even fit to polish Sarfaraz's shoes as captain.

The last line shows your excellent knowledge about the game. Keep them coming.

[kuskash]

Funny when you compare Sarfaraz and Kohli's performance as captains, Indians and psuedo-Indians bring Kohli's performance as a player to defend him.


Kohli is not even fit to polish Sarfaraz's shoes as captain.

Sorry brother, I misunderstood. I thought it was comparison about players. I was not aware it was about captaincy.

[hadi123]

He may do well in his fitness tests but still needs to lose weight, people can be fat yet have stamina but for all reasons he should still try and lose weight regardless of whether he is passing fitness tests.

[Amjid Javed]

Sarfaraz sounds Hangry with his response ;)

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Gets unnecessary criticism. Captain, keeper, batsman and leading a young side who were no 6, 7, 8 in rankings. Playing all formats non-stop for last 18 months (i think the only cricketer in world) without any break (even played tour matches). Must have been very draining but kudos to him for his unparalleled commitment and selflesness.

Lucky to have such a player leading Pakistan.

[mak36]

If people watched the video, they would know he didn't get angry or sensitive etc.

The guy who asked the question was ill-informed and making big claims, so Sarfaraz politely asked him a question back.

[MenInG]

If people watched the video, they would know he didn't get angry or sensitive etc.

The guy who asked the question was ill-informed and making big claims, so Sarfaraz politely asked him a question back.

Yes that is correct - Sarf never loses his temper. The question was ruder if anything.

[Abdul]

Because you've got a big as belly.

[Pakhs]

I have always been more concerned about his batting than his fitness.

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Sarfraz should work on his batting, maine iskay jitnay interview sunay zada tar mai he talks about captaincy and keeping. Mentality change krni ho gi.. Atleast in Asia he can score valuable runs.

[MRSN]

If you were fit you would have never turned down that single to runout baber. This guy is the most luckiest to be leading us despite being mediocre and lazy individual.

[Hasan123]

@Syed1 probably still doing banghra over Sarfraz restrict a team from 12-3 to 239.

[MRSN]

Yeah we all saw how fit you are. Pathetic fitness standards by supreme leader.

[Zaz]

The goodwill from the fans from the CT win is quickly running out for sarfi

He needs to quickly get start getting some runs and win big matches for pakistan

He wont be at the helm if both his form and the results dont take an upward trajectory soon

[MRSN]

Nobody can question his highness.

[King-Misbah]

Pathetic player and captain. When one looked at Misbah; you know he was worthy to be the Pakistan captain. Sarfraz is fat and small; never scores runs but screams at others.

[TalentSpotterPk]

Sarfraz looked fitter 3 months back which was a pleasant surprise from the captain whereas now it looks that he has regained around 5 kg weight.


Sarfraz must improve his batting performance for which he needs to make some technical adjustments in his batting especially against Pace. Needs to improve his balance at the crease and crouch far less against pacers. This is why his batting numbers outside Asia are quite poor.


Yes his overall Test numbers are not bad but Pakistan needs Sarfraz's fifties at that game changing SR of 70 plus.


His Captaincy is fine in Test Cricket and there is No alternative available at the moment. We must stick with him as a wicket keeper and Captain.

[PakPremi]

Sarfraz looked fitter 3 months back which was a pleasant surprise from the captain whereas now it looks that he has regained around 5 kg weight.


Sarfraz must improve his batting performance for which he needs to make some technical adjustments in his batting especially against Pace. Needs to improve his balance at the crease and crouch far less against pacers. This is why his batting numbers outside Asia are quite poor.


Yes his overall Test numbers are not bad but Pakistan needs Sarfraz's fifties at that game changing SR of 70 plus.


His Captaincy is fine in Test Cricket and there is No alternative available at the moment. We must stick with him as a wicket keeper and Captain.

Good balanced post-- such posters do exist wow.
Sarfraz needs to be relieved of test captaincy but there is no threat to place in the team, the only format where he is not suitable for batting is T20 but he captains well there