Sarfaraz Ahmed sacked, Pakistan name Azhar Ali and Babar Azam as captains for Test and T20I | Cricket - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Sarfaraz Ahmed sacked, Pakistan name Azhar Ali and Babar Azam as captains for Test and T20I

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By
Oct 19, 2019 07:31 AM IST

Azhar Ali will lead Pakistan in Tests in the 2019-20 season while talented batsman Babar Azam has been given the T20 reins till the World Cup next year in Australia, announced PCB.

Azhar Ali and Babar Azam were on Friday appointed captains of Pakistan’s Test and T20I sides respectively as regular captain Sarfaraz Ahmed was dropped from both the squads for the Australia series. Azhar Ali will lead Pakistan in Tests in the 2019-20 season while talented batsman Babar Azam was given the T20 reins till the World Cup next year in Australia, announced PCB.

File image: Pakistan's captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, right, greets Babar Azam.(AP)
File image: Pakistan's captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, right, greets Babar Azam.(AP)

Also Read: Kohli’s Team India eye historic first against South Africa in Ranchi Test

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“There is no bigger honour than to captain the Pakistan national cricket team in the pinnacle format of the game. I feel humbled, excited and privileged, and with the support of the team, look forward to justifying the faith that has been entrusted upon me for the World Test Championship.

“Sarfaraz Ahmed has done an excellent job in transforming raw talent into experienced players and I now look forward to inspiring those skillful players in our endeavours to collectively achieve our World Test Championship objectives and beyond,” said Azhar Ali.

Azhar had an excellent tour of Australia last time when Pakistan were there in 2016-17 when he had scores of 5, 71, 205 not out, 43, 71 and 11. His other scores against Australia in England and the UAE are 16, 42, 30, 51, 53, 30, 109, 100 not out, 18, 4, 15 and 64. This means the 21st ranked batsman in the world has aggregated 938 runs in nine Tests against Australia, his second most after Sri Lanka (1156 runs in 14 Tests).

Also Read: In search of good luck, Faf du Plessis might skip toss at Ranchi

In the ongoing four-day first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Azhar is the second most successful batsman with 388 runs in four matches as his side Central Punjab leads the field with two wins.

Babar Azam, the No.1 ranked batsman in T20Is, has previously captained Pakistan in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2012. He was vice-captain in the recently-concluded series against Sri Lanka and is presently captaining Central Punjab in the National T20 Cup where he scored a 59-ball 102 on the opening day against Sindh.

“To be named captain of the No.1 ranked side in the world is the biggest thing that has happened to my career to date. I am ready for this challenge and also willing to learn more in the process. I feel it has been a natural progression for me and I am delighted that the PCB has put faith in my capabilities.

“Sarfaraz Ahmed has led the side in the shortest format by example and it is my responsibility to take forward his accomplishments so that we remain a consistent, attractive and powerful side,” Azam said.

Also Read: Only 1500 tickets sold for IND-SA 3rd Test in Ranchi

Reacting to his axing from both the squads, Sarfaraz said, “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.”

Seventh-ranked Pakistan will play fifth-ranked Australia in two Tests in Brisbane (21-25 November) and Adelaide (29 November-3 December (d/n)) before hosting Sri Lanka and Bangladesh for two Tests apiece.

Pakistan are also scheduled to play three T20Is each against Australia (3, 5 and 8 November) and Bangladesh before the curtain falls on their international domestic season in early February 2020.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away!- Login Now!
Catch all the Latest Cricket News, Live Cricket Score and IPL 2024 Schedule, match updates along with Cricket Schedule, WPL Final 2024, WPL Final 2024 and other related updates on Hindustan Times Website and APPs
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On