Courtesy: Google
Sarfaraz Ahmed, former Pakistan captain, has hinted at his retirement amidst the on-going Champions T20 Cup 2024 in his country. During a media interaction at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Friday, the veteran wicket-keeper, who is mentoring the Dolphins in the Champions T20 Cup, was asked about his future with the national side. Sarfaraz Ahmed answered with a mocking tone, acknowledging the speculation about his possible retirement.
Regarded amongst the greatest captains in Pakistan cricket history, Sarfaraz Ahmed remarked that there isn't much to say, and that he might be hanging up his boots shortly. "Regarding my career, I believe there's nothing more to say. I understand what you're waiting for, and it will happen soon." Presently, the former Pakistan Under-19 World Cup winning captain is working with the Dolphins in the role of mentor, and was last featured for the national team in a Test against Australia in Perth in 2023.
Sarfaraz Ahmed's significant role as captain in Pakistan cricket team
Sarfaraz made his international debut for Pakistan in 2007 and became a key player in the team over the years. He has donned the national shirt in 54 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 61 T20 Internationals, scoring 6,164 runs, including six centuries and 32 half-centuries. His most famous performance came in 2017, when he led Pakistan to its first-ever ICC Men's Champions Trophy triumph with a dramatic 180-run win over arch-rivals India in the final at The Oval in London.
Although Sarfaraz Khan was picked in theTest squad for the home series against Bangladesh and the first Test against England earlier this year, but didn't play any in any of those matches. After Pakistan suffered a defeat in the first Test against England, he was removed from the squad. Meanwhile, he has not played a white-ball match for Pakistan since November 2021. Under his captaincy, Pakistan won 11 straight T20I series, a record for a Pakistan skipper. Given his extensive experience, there is still suspense over his inclusion in the team for the Champions Trophy squad next year.
