LAHORE: Despite brea­ching the ICC anti-racism code and subsequently slap­ped with a four-match ban, Sarfraz Ahmed was on Tuesday officially announ­ced as the Pakistan cricket team’s captain for this year’s World Cup.

The announcement to this effect was made by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Ehsan Mani, during a crowded media conference at the Gaddafi Stadium.

He said Sarfraz Ahmed would remain the captain until the 50-over World Cup to be held in England and Wales from May 30 to July 14 this year.

“I am happy to confirm that Sarfraz will remain Pakistan captain till the World Cup. I was always clear in my mind that Sarfraz would be the captain,” Mr Mani told the media conference.

“I was keen to speak to him 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 led Pakistan to the Champions Trophy title in 2017, and also helped the national side reach No. 1 spot in ICC T20 team rankings, besides improving its ODIs ranking from ninth to fifth. He has made a lot of contribution and deserves to lead Pakistan in the World Cup too,” the chairman further said.

The PCB’s support for Sarfraz has come just days after it had expressed disappointment at the ICC’s ban on the Pakistan skipper after he admitted breaching the anti-racism code with remarks — picked by the stump mic — made to South African all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo during the second ODI last month.

Veteran batsman Shoaib Malik was named to lead Pakistan in the remaining two ODIs and the three-match T20 series against the Proteas.

The PCB’s decision to recall the embattled Sarfraz from the tour raised questions over his future as the Pakistan cricket team’s captain and when the national team won the fourth ODI under Malik, the critics were expecting the leadership to change hands for the World Cup but the PCB remained tight-lipped until Tuesday’s announcement.

However, Malik’s chances of keeping the captaincy receded when South Africa won not only the final ODI but also sealed the T20 series by winning the first two games.

The chairman further remarked: “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.

“Sarfraz has been an integral part of the Pakistan cricket team’s World Cup preparations and has proved to be a good strategist, leader and performer. His achievements and contributions as a captain and as a valuable all-round cricketer cannot be undermined or overlooked because of the team’s recent Test results.

“I am confident he will continue the good work with [head coach] Mickey Arthur and [chief selector] Inzamamul Haq so that the team is in the best possible shape and form to produce strong performances at the World Cup,” Mr Mani said.

Tough time

Speaking on the occasion, 31-year-old Sarfraz admitted that he had faced tough time over the last few weeks. But, he added, he was now delighted the PCB had expressed full confidence in him.

“The reality is that the last few weeks have been extremely difficult for me as a person and as a professional. But I am delighted that the PCB has reassured its confidence and faith in me. It has boosted my confidence tremendously,” a relieved Sarfraz 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 combative wicket-keeper/batsman further said: “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.

“In the lead up to the World Cup, Pakistan will play five ODIs each against Australia and England, which will also give us an opportunity to further fine-tune our preparations. I am sure we’ll give a good account of ourselves at the World Cup.”

Sarfraz refused to comment on the ICC ban on him, saying that he wanted to forget the episode which had been hounding him like a nightmare.

“I think we should all move forward because I have already apologised for whatever had happened,” he said. “It shouldn’t have happened in the first place and I once again offer my apologies to everyone involved.”

When asked that the PCB’s own policy had flaws about the appointment of captains and that a leader should be given a term of one to two years, the PCB chairman said: “I disagree on this notion because it does not happen in the world of cricket. We will analyse the performance of the team on a series-to-series basis and only a constant decline [in performance] can force the PCB to make the change, if necessary,” he said.

Mr Mani disagreed Sarfraz should lead the team in one of three formats and instead take rest given the tight schedule of international cricket these days.

“Though some cricket boards adopt this policy of having different captains for different formats it does not suits the PCB,” he said.

The PCB chairman, however, agreed that the appointment of a vice-captain was not a bad idea and he was in consultation with other officials of the board in this respect.

Commenting on Pakistan’s poor showings in recent matches, the PCB chairman said though Pakistan lost against New Zealand and South Africa, the results might have been different in some of the matches. He said overall the team’s performance was satisfactory.

Published in Dawn, February 6th, 2019