Sarfraz removed from Test and T20 captaincy

Pakistan's Sarfraz Ahmed has been removed as captain of the Pakistan Test and T20 sides owing to drop in his overall form, a press release from the Pakistan Cricket Board said.

Azhar Ali has been appointed national cricket team captain for Pakistan’s World Test Championship matches in the 2019-20 season, while Babar Azam has been named captain of the T20I side until next year’s ICC T20 World Cup Australia 2020.

“It has been an honour to lead Pakistan at the highest level. I want to thank all my colleagues, coaches and selectors who have helped me in this journey. My good wishes are with Azhar Ali, Babar Azam and the Pakistan cricket team, and I hope they will continue to grow stronger and stronger.”

PCB chairman Ehsan Mani reiterated that the decision was taken with the best interest of the team in mind.

“It has been a difficult decision to drop Sarfaraz Ahmed, who has performed well as a player and a leader. But, his loss in form and confidence is visible and, in the best interest of the team, it has been decided to leave him out and provide him the opportunity to reflect and regroup himself and try to reclaim his form away from international cricket.

“Sarfaraz Ahmed’s contributions are second to none and being the gutsy cricketer and fighter that we all know he is, I have no doubts he will be back in Pakistan colours at some stage.”