Sarfaraz Ahmed has been retained as Pakistan’s captain for the upcoming ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka, on the basis of recommendation made by Misbah ul Haq (head coach and chairman of selectors) and the PCB Cricket Committee. Babar Azam has been named his deputy. The appointments were confirmed by Ehsan Mani, the PCB chairman, on Friday (September 13).
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Sarfaraz, who has led the T20I team since April 2016, had his position questioned after Pakistan failed to qualify for the semifinals of the recently-concluded 50-over World Cup. He had led the ODI team since early 2017 and even captained them to their maiden Champions Trophy win that year. Overall, he has led Pakistan in 13 Tests, 48 ODIs and 34 T20Is, winning four, 26 and 29 matches respectively – and taking them to the top position in the T20I rankings.
Commenting on the appointment, Sarfaraz said, “I feel humbled and honoured to have been awarded an extension to my captaincy term. I have enjoyed captaining the Pakistan cricket team and look forward to improving my leadership qualities under the new set-up of Misbah-ul-Haq who also has a proven record as captain.
“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.
“I am aware we have not done justice to our potential in ODIs, which has disappointed us as well as our fans. I am hopeful we will be able to turn things around in the coming season and in this relation. I remain committed to stepping up to the challenge with my performances and captaincy.”
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Misbah, the newly-appointed head coach of Pakistan’s senior national side, said, “Both are one of the most talented and exceptionally gifted Pakistan cricketers and thoroughly deserve these assignments.
“Consistency backed up by good performance has been my yardstick for recommending Sarfaraz as captain. Furthermore, I think I am better placed to get the best out of Sarfaraz as I know him better than most of the cricketers as he has played most of his cricket under my captaincy. I have always been an admirer of his commitment and the energy he brings to the side.
“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.
“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. I look forward to working with him and hope we will succeed in changing the outlook of the Pakistan cricket team.”
The selection committee will name a 19-member probable for the T20I and ODI series on Monday (September 16), which will be followed by a camp at the National Cricket Academy, commencing from Wednesday.
The final squad will be announced on September 23.
 and the PCB Cricket Committee. Babar Azam has been named his deputy. The appointments were confirmed by Ehsan Mani, the PCB chairman, on Friday (September 13).){kind=link}