The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Tuesday than Sarfraz Ahmed will stay on as the nation's captain across all three formats; and they he will be leading the side at the World Cup in England. Ahmed is currently serving an ICC suspension for using racist Language directed at South African all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo in the 2nd ODI of their recently concluded series.
Aamir Qureshi/ AFP
The wicketkeeper batsman was served a four-match suspension ahead of the series decider against the Proteas after stump mics picked up him calling Phehlukwayo kaaley (blackie). Following this, there was uproar from the media to have Ahmed stripped from the responsibilities as captain. However, the PCB have confirmed that the 31-year-old will continue to lead the side for the Australia series as well as the World Cup.
"There's no doubt that Sarfraz Ahmed is our captain and he will remain so until any other decision is taken," PCB chairman Ehsan Mani said. "There are speculations after every series in the media which is unsubstantiated. He will captain Pakistan in the Australia Series and in the World Cup. After it, we will sit and evaluate the performance."
Mani also added "We should look at the contributions that Sarfraz has made for Pakistan." In reference to Pakistan's Champions Trophy triumph in 2017 and number one rank in T20's under the wicketkeeper's tutelage.
