Former Pakistani cricketer Rashid Latif commented on why Mohammad Rizwan was appointed vice captain over Sarfaraz Ahmed. Notably, Pakistan will commence the 2023–25 cycle of the World Test Championship with their July tour of Sri Lanka. The Pakistan Cricket Board announced a formidable 16-man squad for the two-match series, with Babar Azam retaining his position as captain.
The coaching staff has been strengthened with the appointment of former South African pacer Morne Morkel, who will serve as bowling coach for the crucial tour. Morkel has inked a contract for six months. Mohammad Rizwan, a wicketkeeper-batsman, will serve as Babar’s replacement in the series.
Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, who scored 335 runs in two home Tests against New Zealand earlier this year and was named Player of the Series, is also in the squad. In the meantime, Latif opined that, due to his form, Sarfaraz will be selected for the playing XI and should be appointed vice captain.
“Sarfaraz Ahmed is the type of player PCB could have appointed as vice captain for this tour.
He is competent. After Rizwan’s loss of form, he made a revival. Due to his past performance, Sarfaraz will be included in the playing XI. Therefore, keeping Rizwan as vice captain is inexcusable,” Latif stated on his YouTube channel.
“I believe Babar should serve as commander across all formats. However, do not grant undue favours to anyone by promoting him to vice captain. “If anyone else is deserving of a leadership position in tests, it is Sarfaraz and no one else,” he added.
Shaheen Afridi will play Test cricket one year from now.
Star pacer Shaheen Afridi will return to playing red-ball cricket for his country, much to the delight of cricket enthusiasts. The left-handed bowler has been selected for next month’s trip to Sri Lanka. Shaheen made his final Test appearance against Sri Lanka in Galle in July 2022. He sustained a knee injury while playing in the field during the game. In 25 Tests, the 23-year-old has taken 99 wickets at an average of 24.87.
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