Akhtar wants Sarfaraz to be removed, calls for split captaincy

Shoaib Akhtar had earlier termed Sarfaraz as a "brainless captain" following Pakistan's defeat in the round-robin stage of the World Cup

The 'Rawalpindi Express' Shoaib Akhtar feels Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed should be removed as the captain after Pakistan's dismal show in the recently-concluded World Cup and said that Sarfaraz should be kept in the team only for his wicket-keeping and batting skills. Akhtar had earlier termed Sarfaraz as a "brainless captain" following Pakistan's defeat in the round-robin stage of the World Cup. According to Akhtar, Haris Sohail should lead Pakistan in ODIs and T20Is whereas Babar Azam should be handed over the captaincy in Test cricket. "He (Sarfaraz) should be used for his wicket-keeping and batting skills," Akhtar said. "No way should he continue as captain of the team. He should not be the captain in any format." Pakistan were knocked out in the group stage of the 2019 World Cup. "Haris Sohail should be made the captain. He should captain the side in ODIs and T20Is. They should test him (Babar Azam) in Test cricket. I wish him the best. He has scored a lot of runs," he said. Recently, former Pakistan skipper and current Prime Minister Imran Khan, also said that he is working on a plan to develop "best cricket team of the world". "After the World Cup, I have decided that I will improve this Pakistan team. I am going to reform Pakistan cricket," said Imran while addressing a gathering of Pakistani-Americans at Capital One Arena in downtown Washington DC on July 21. "There have been a lot of disappointments. Hopefully, in the next World Cup, you will see a very professional, best Pakistan team. Remember my words," he added.