ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s seasoned all-rounder Shahid Afridi has praised the rising cricket star Sarfraz Ahmed, saying the wicket-keeper/batsman is a brave player and international cricket requires a fair share of bravery.

Talking to a private news channel, Afridi, who retired from ODIs after the recently-concluded World Cup, said he endorses bravery in players more than technique.

“I have been observing Sarfraz in domestic cricket for a while; and had asked him to open the innings which he did at the right moment,” Afridi, a 398-ODI veteran, said.

Afridi, 35, remarked that Sarfraz’s batting in the World Cup silenced many of his critics.

“Sarfraz’s performance in the group matches against South Africa and Ireland sealed the place for us in the World Cup quarter-final when our team’s performance was on the decline,” Afridi, who claimed 395 ODI wickets during his close to 18-year international career, said.

Afridi also lauded Misbah-ul-Haq’s performance as captain. “He was so consistent a performer [with the bat],” remarked Afridi.

Afridi, who holds the record of hitting most sixes in ODIs, said Pakistan had got so much talent that “our players compete at international level with teams like Australia and England despite a significant lack of facilities.”

Published in Dawn, March 31st, 2015

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