PCB Appoints Babar Azam As Pakistan Vice-Captain, Sarfaraz Remains Captain

PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani said that Babar’s elevation is part of his gradual development as a future captain

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has retained Sarfaraz Ahmed as captain of the side for the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka. In addition, Batsman Babar Azam has been named the vice-captain of the team. Both the appointments were confirmed following recommendations made by Pakistan head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq and the PCB Cricket Committee, stated the board in a statement. PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani said that Babar’s elevation is part of his gradual development as a future captain. “I am hopeful the trio of Misbah, Sarfaraz and Babar will do well for Pakistan cricket,” Mani said. Misbah believes that he is better placed to get the best out of Sarfraz as he knows him ‘better than most of the cricketer’. “I have emphasised on changing the dressing room culture and mind-set of the players to achieve better results, and I believe Sarfaraz is a perfect fit to help me attain these objectives,” said Misbah. “In the past couple of weeks, Sarfaraz and I have worked together on certain areas of his cricket that will enhance his overall performance. Both of us realise it is a performance-oriented world and we are expected to give our best every time we take the field,” he added. Sarfraz echoed Misbah's opinion. “I have played most of my cricket under Misbah and we know each other pretty well. I think we will make a good combination, which will contribute to improved performances of the side across all formats,” he said. The ODI and T20I series will comprise three matches each and will be played between September 27 and October 9. While the ODIs will be played in Karachi, the T20I series will be played in Lahore.