Reports: Protests to be held in Karachi to oppose the sacking of Sarfaraz Ahmed

It will not be an aberration to say that Pakistan Cricket is in a state of emergency. The recent visit by the Sri Lankans and the subsequent 0-3 inflicted on the No.1 ranked T20I side in the world, has proved to be a death knell for captain (former) Sarfaraz Ahmed.

This has been a forgettable year for Sarfaraz. Not long ago, he was being hailed as the messiah of Pakistan Cricket after he had led them to Champions Trophy victory where they defeated Virat Kohli’s Team India by 180 runs. Under Sarfaraz, Pakistan also proceeded to become the No.1 ranked T20I side in the world. 

But following a failed World Cup campaign coupled by his own dip in form and fitness (Read: Yawning), the skipper came under intense scrutiny from fans and pundits alike. His form, fitness and most importantly the team’s dismal showing against Sri Lanka resulted in the PCB sacking as well as removing him from the squad from all the formats.

Sarfaraz Ahmed’s supporters question the timing

The decision to sack Sarfaraz has been a polarising one. While some fans and pundits like Shoaib Akhtar and Ramiz Raza have hailed it as the right decision, the likes of Dr. Nouman and Rashid Latif, as well as Sarfaraz supporters, have questioned the timing as well as the way in which it was carried.

And now, according to the sources, a protest is being planned in Karachi on Sunday against the unceremonious sacking of Ahmed. According to the PCB source, Sarfaraz had flatly refused to step-up and had told PCB CEO Wasim Khan to sack him if they wanted. Khan had also assured Sarfaraz of his return provided he regained fitness and form.

“Sarfaraz flatly refused to do this and told Wasim the Board could sack him if they wanted but he would not step down himself,” the PCB source said as quoted by Express Tribune. The PCB Chairman stated that it was a difficult one to sack Sarfaraz but the decision was purely based on his form. “The decision was a difficult one but taken in the best interest of Pakistan cricket,” Mani said.

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