Sarfaraz Ahmed became a captain by accident: Aaqib Javed
Pakistan cricket team captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is continuing to face the flak from every corner after his team's shabby performance in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019. Former Pakistan cricketers have slammed Sarfaraz and the latest to join the list is Aaqib Javed, who feels that Sarfaraz is an accidental skipper. Here's more.
Pakistan have been awful in the ongoing World Cup
Pakistan have a mountain to climb in terms of qualification for the semi-finals. They have to win all their remaining four games to have an outside chance. Pakistan were outplayed in all three departments against India last Sunday in Manchester. The gulf between the two sides are huge at the moment. And Javed pointed out the same to Mumbai Mirror.
'There is no match between the sides'
"India have gone far ahead of Pakistan in terms of batting, bowling, and fielding. There is no match between the sides. Basically, there is a huge gulf between the skill sets of the India and Pakistan teams," said Javed.
Akhtar had slammed Sarfaraz as brainless
Sarfaraz was slammed by former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who termed him brainless for choosing to bowl first at Old Trafford just because it had rained. Pakistan, who lost the encounter by 89 runs (D/L method), allowed India to post a big total, before surrendering the impetus with the bat. Javed criticized Sarfaraz and said he has failed as a leader.
Sarfaraz became a captain by accident: Javed
"Since 2015, Sarfaraz has been struggling for his place in the team. He became a captain by accident as the boards make changes after every World Cup. Since the 2017 Champions Trophy final, Pakistan have done nothing. They lost to Australia and New Zealand in the UAE. As a captain, he can't demand anything in front of chief selector and the coach," quipped Javed.
A negative atmosphere has surrounded the Pakistani side
There have been reports of rift within this Pakistani outfit. Several Pakistani media outlets had stated that there are different groups formed in the squad. Irrespective of the rumors, a negative atmosphere has surrounded the team which has not played smart ODI cricket since a while now. Pakistan have a lot of catching up to do and things might change post the World Cup.
Sarfaraz is very, very weak, claims Javed
"No player is looking at Sarfaraz as a leader who will back him. There is no harmony between the coach, captain, and chief selector. Sarfaraz is very, very weak, cannot show his authority on the field and off it as well," said Javed.
Pakistan need to change the scenario: Our take
Pakistan should inject fresh blood into this side. Several senior players have shied away from responsibility and it's time a new direction is set. The management needs to find a new young leader in this side and allow him the time to grow. The team will be in a period of transition and you need freshness all around to gain the solidity.
