LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ehsan Mani has confirmed Sarfraz Ahmed will remain as team captain till the ICC World Cup 2019.
PCB chairman Ahsan Mani made the announcement during a joint press conference with Sarfraz at the PCB headquarters.
The PCB chairman threw his unequivocal support behind the skipper saying he will captain Pakistan in the upcoming series against Australia and till the World Cup, until any further notice.
Ehsan Mani said “I am happy to confirm that Sarfraz will remain Pakistan captain till the World Cup. I’ve been saying this from day one: Sarfraz is our captain and he will remain our captain until any further decision”.
The Chairman added that “I was keen to speak with [Sarfraz] on the team’s recent performances as part of the normal review and appraisal process, and, more importantly, about his own future plans as we all know he has undergone some tough times as a professional cricketer in the past few weeks. ”
“Sarfraz has reiterated his commitment to the Pakistan cricket team as well as his availability and enthusiasm to captain the team at the World Cup,” Mani said.
“I am confident he will continue the good work with Mickey Arthur and Inzamam-ul-Haq so that the team is in the best possible shape and form to produce strong performances at the World Cup,” Mani said.
Sarfraz, thanked the board for placing its confidence in his leadership abilities.
The skipper said “I feel humbled and honoured to be placed in the same bracket as some of the most iconic and legendary cricketers who have previously captained Pakistan at World Cups. It is the dream of any international cricketer to play in a World Cup, but to be appointed captain in the biggest cricket spectacle on the planet is something that is extremely special. ”
“The reality is that the last few weeks have been extremely difficult for me as a person and professional. But I am delighted that the PCB has reassured its confidence and faith in me. It has boosted my confidence tremendously. ” he said.
He added “I am convinced we are in a good shape for the World Cup. We have top quality talent and match-winners with a committed support staff in the dressing room. Everyone is geared up and keenly looking forward to returning to the country where we won the last major ICC tournament. “
