Sarfaraz says communication with PCB important for captain's success

KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket team’s captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has said that proper communication with the high-ups of the Pakistan Cricket Board is the key for any captain’s success.

A day after being retained as Pakistan’s captain for upcoming T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka, Sarfaraz told media in Karachi that a regular communication with PCB top-brass would give confidence to any captain.

“It is very important for any captain. A captain must be able to communicate with officials in PCB. It helps a lot when someone from the helm of affairs comes to you and says a few supportive words,” Sarfaraz said in after first day’s play in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy between Sindh and Balochistan at the UBL Sports Complex.

Sarfaraz led Pakistan in recent ICC World Cup where team finished fifth and missed playing the semi final merely on basis of NRR.

The team, especially skipper, remained under-fire from all quarters during that period.

“Specially, after the game against India, team was under immense pressure and at that time PCB talked to us and boosted our morale which helped us a lot,” Sarfaraz said.

The wicket-keeper batsman, when asked if he wanted to be a long term captain, said that it is up to board to decide who has to be captain and for how long.

“It is not my domain,” the skipper responded to journalist.

For now, Sarfaraz says, he has set his eyes on the series against Sri Lanka and has also decided a number to bat for himself.

“In last few days at pre-season camp, I have discussed a lot with Misbah ul Haq. I have also finalized my batting position and I will come to that position during the series against Lankans.

However, he chose to keep his decided batting position a surprise.

“You’ll know when the series comes,” he replied when asked at what number he’s decided to bat during the series against Sri Lanka which starts on September 27th.

He also shared his thoughts on recent trend of fast bowlers ditching longer format of the game to keep them fit for shorter format and for a longer period.

“We will have to see, after Aamir and Wahab, we’ll see who are the wicket taking bowlers available to us, also Yasir Shah needs a supporting spinner with him in the squad as well,” the skipper highlighted.

Replying to a question about appointment of Babar Azam as his deputy, Sarfaraz said that he’s always enjoyed Babar’s company and it’s a good sign to see a youngster being groomed.

“He’s also a good performer, I enjoy very good coordination with him as he fields at slip with me and I usually discuss various plans with him,” the Pakistan captain concluded.