Sarfaraz retained Pakistan captain, Babar appointed vice-captain

Misbah said Sarfraz and Babar are one of the most talented and exceptionally gifted cricketers.

LAHORE (Dunya News) – Sarfaraz Ahmed has been retained as Pakistan captain while Babar Azam has been named as vice-captain for three ODIs and three T20I home series against Sri Lanka, which will be held from Sept 27 to Oct 9, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ehsan Mani said Friday.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore on Friday, he said that Babar Azam has been made vice-captain for three ODIs and three T20I home series against Sri Lanka, adding that he has the potential and is becoming best batsman in the world.

The PCB chairman said that all matches against Sri Lanka will be played in Pakistan, adding that they were short of time to arrange the series at an any other venue.

Mani went on to say that the team lineup for the Sri Lankan tour will be announced in the next few days.

He said the decision regarding manager has been taken and will be announced in a day or two, adding that Misbah-ul-Haq will also be performing duties as Batting Coach.

Pakistan team will also be visiting Australia to play red ball cricket.

Ehsan Mani said: “Sarfaraz is an experienced campaigner who has excelled and improved as a leader with every match. I have complete faith in his abilities and confident he will continue to blossom under Misbah’s wings." 

On the other hand, Misbah-ul-Haq congratulated Sarfraz Ahmad and Babar Azam and said that Pakistan is top team in the T20 and also improved its performance in one-day internationals, adding that Sarfraz has been captaining for the last three years and is a good captain.

"I want to congratulate Sarfaraz on his confirmation as Pakistan captain and Babar on his appointment as vice-captain. Both are one of the most talented and exceptionally gifted Pakistan cricketers and thoroughly deserve these assignments.

"Consistency backed up by good performance has been my yardstick for recommending Sarfaraz as captain. Furthermore, I think I am better placed to get the best out of Sarfaraz as I know him better than most of the cricketers as he has played most of his cricket under my captaincy. I have always been an admirer of his commitment and the energy he brings to the side."

The head coach and chief selector went on to say that in the past couple of weeks, Sarfaraz and I have worked together on certain areas of his cricket that will enhance his overall performance. “Both of us realise it is a performance-oriented world and we are expected to give our best every time we take the field. I look forward to working with him and hope we will succeed in changing the outlook of the Pakistan cricket team,” Misbah added.

He said: “I have emphasised on changing the dressing room culture and mind-set of the players to achieve better results, and I believe Sarfaraz is a perfect fit to help me attain these objectives.”

Nineteen probables for the ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka will be announced on Monday, 16 September. The camp will commence at the National Cricket Academy from Wednesday, 18 September.

The 16-player ODI and T20I squads will be named on Monday, 23 September.