Sarfraz Ahmed backs Inzamam's point of playing more 50-over games by Pakistani players

Former Pakistan skipper and national chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq has urged all the Pakistan players to play more in ODIs at domestic circuit after Pakistan’s drubbing in the ODI series against New Zealand where they were whitewashed by the Kiwis in 5-ODIs. Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed has come out in support of the chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq. As per the Express Tribune, Ahmed was of the view that playing the shortest formats doesn’t help the players in developing fitness to play in a 50-over or Test match.

“When you play the shortest formats for a long period, then you don’t necessarily have the fitness to play in a 50-over or Test match,” Express Tribune quoted Sarfraz, as saying. The Pakistani captain also mentioned that players train themselves according to the format of the game which the players are playing. He mentioned that Inzamam was right in saying what he said. “You also train according to the format you’re playing more. So Inzi bhai is right,” said Sarfaraz as per Express Tribune.

Players need to look into their fitness

According to Sarfraz, the T20s do not allow the players to look into their fitness much as the gaps between the games are very less. He mentioned that Haq was right in saying that players should play more 50-overs games If they wish to improve their fitness level.

“The shorter format gives you less time to train, but when you’re playing in the long format, you develop a more concrete fitness regime. Inzi bhai is right that the more you play the longer format of cricket, the more you improve your fitness,” the Pakistani skipper explained.

Interestingly, the PCB’s own T20 league, Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to start from 22nd February in Dubai while the knockout round of the game has been scheduled in Pakistan’s Karachi and Lahore. Sarfraz Ahmed will be leading Quetta Gladiators in the 3rd edition of the PSL.