Sarfraz Ahmed to captain Pakistan in World Cup 2019, confirms PCB

Sarfraz Ahmed has been captaining Pakistan across all formats for some time now and also led the Men in Green to their second biggest success in the 50-over format by winning the Champions Trophy in 2017. However, a recent incident in South Africa saw the wicket-keeper-batsman getting banned for four matches for racially attacking a home side cricketer. Sarfraz was replaced by veteran Shoaib Malik for the remainder of the series.

Speculation was soon rife that the 31-year-old might not be leading Pakistan in the upcoming World Cup in England starting May 30 even though his ban technically has ended with the second T20I against South Africa. The Pakistan Cricket Board called Sarfraz home as soon as the International Cricket Council handed him the ban and it made the suspicion over Sarfraz’s captaincy even bigger.

The PCB buried all the doubts on Tuesday by confirming that it is none other than Sarfraz who will lead Pakistan in the mega event kicking off on May 30. Pakistan will take on the Windies in their first match in Nottingham on May 31. Its chairman Ehsan Mani made the announcement. Mani said he always had it clear in his mind that Sarfraz will captain Pakistan at the World Cup. He said Sarfraz reiterated his commitment to the Pakistan team as well as his availability to lead the side at the showpiece event.

Sarfraz achieved the highest point of his captaincy when he led Pakistan to win the Champions Trophy two years ago, also in England, by defeating arch-rivals India by 180 runs in the title clash.

Feel honoured, says Sarfraz

The cricketer felt he was honoured to learn the decision of the PCB. “I feel humbled and honoured to be placed in the same bracket as some of the most iconic and legendary cricketers who have previously captained Pakistan at World Cups,” he said.

“It is the dream of any international cricketer to play in a World Cup, but to be appointed captain in the biggest cricket spectacle on the planet is something that is extremely special.” The 2019 edition will be Sarfraz’s second World Cup after 2015.

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