REVEALED: Why did PCB chief meet Sarfaraz in Faisalabad?

The Pakistan Cricket Board on Friday sacked Sarfaraz Ahmed as captain of the cricket team from all three formats of the game. The decision was not exactly a surprise, but did raise some eyebrows because Sarfaraz was the most successful T20 skipper for the country. 

Sources have now revealed the behind-the-scenes developments that led to the sacking of Safaraz. According to officials privy to the workings of the cricket board, PCB chief Waseem Khan personally traveled to Faisalabad in order to inform Sarfaraz of his removal. 

Also read: Sarfaraz Ahmed removed as Pakistan’s Test, T20I captain

Sources maintain that Khan conveyed to Sarfaraz, who is in Faislaabad for a National Twenty20 match, that the board had made a decision to relieve him of his duties as skipper, but in order to provide him with a safe exit, he had been given the opportunity to resign by the PCB chief.

Waseem Khan also advised Sarfaraz to take a break from international cricket to concentrate on his form and fitness, before trying to make a comeback into the national team. However, Sarfaraz refused to step down, and instead asked the PCB to drop him from the team. 

Also read: PCB revokes accreditation of reporter who ‘misbehaved’ with Sarfaraz

It is pertinent to mention that speculation about Sarfaraz stepping down from his role as skipper was rife ever since he withdrew from leading the Sindh side in the national Twenty20 tournament. In the meeting with Khan though, Sarfaraz, apparently dejected, refused to resign. 

According to sources, over the past two days, a think tank of the Pakistan Cricket Board had mulled over changes to the national cricket team before the upcoming tour to Australia. A consensus was built around removing Sarfaraz as captain of the team and a final decision made. 

Also read: Pakistan failed in all departments against Sri Lanka: Sarfaraz Ahmed

After Sarfaraz asked to be dropped from the side in his meeting with Khan, the PCB decided to grant his request. Azhar Ali was announced as Test captain and Babar Azam as the T20 captain. Since Pakistan does not play a One-Day match for the next few months, a decision about the ODI captaincy would be announced later. 

Sources also added that Head Coach and Chief Selector of Pakistan Cricket Team Misbah ul Haq met T20 captain Babar Azam and informed him of his new responsibility, and the selection policy regarding senior players in the team, over the last two days.