'They have been great teammates' - Sarfaraz Ahmed on his relationship with Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad

Pakistan cricket has always had characters that have always proceeded to stay in the news- more for their off-field shenanigans as compared to their on-field play. In the current era, no two cricketers have been as controversial as the duo of Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shahzad.

Umar Akmal has been in the news recently following his misbehaviour with the fitness trainer during a recent fitness test at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. After having failed the fitness test, Akmal had proceeded to ask the fitness expert: “Do you see any fat in my body.”

Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed knows a thing or two about his former teammates. It was under the leadership of Sarfaraz that the duo of Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal were recalled into the set-up against Sri Lanka, back in October. Ahmed was asked about his relationship with the duo in a recent interview and he maintained that he has always shared a cordial relationship with both Akmal and Shehzad.

“I have said it before as well, I don’t know what people say about Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad. In the period that I have played with them, they have been great teammates, ” Sarfaraz Ahmed, former Pakistan captain was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.

He added, “I have played with them as a player and as a captain. I am good friends with them both on and off the field. I have spent a lot of time with them and never had any problems.” 

Sarfaraz Ahmed not thinking of International comeback just yet

Sarfaraz Ahmed was dumped as a leader as well as a player from the Pakistan set-up last October following the No.1 ranked T20I side’s 0-3 drubbing at the hands of Sri Lanka.

Since then speculations have been rife as to when he would making his comeback but according to the former captain, he is currently focussing on his fitness and the upcoming Pakistan Super League and is not thinking of an International return just yet.

He said that he will try to maintain his form and fitness in the Pakistan Super League and hopefully perform well- both as a player as well as captain. “I am not thinking about a comeback right now. [The] PSL is an event that is in front of me and I am thinking about things that are in my hands rather than thinking about long-term things. I will try to maintain my form and fitness in the PSL so that I can perform well for my team as a player and as captain.” Sarfaraz said.

“I am getting more time, therefore, I am working more on my fitness. You get a better chance to maintain yourself during your off-days. When you are playing you don’t get enough time,” he added.

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