The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday has retained Sarfaraz Ahmed as captain of the Green Brigade, while Babar Azam has been named vice-captain for their upcoming home series against Sri Lanka.
The appointments have been done on the basis of recommendations made by Pakistan head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq and the PCB Cricket Committee, said PCB in a press release.
Talking on the development, PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani said: “I am hopeful the trio of Misbah, Sarfaraz and Babar will do well for Pakistan cricket.”
Meanwhile, newly appointed Pakistan head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq said: “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.”
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.
Sri Lanka and Pakistan are slated to play three ODIs and as many T20Is between 27 September and 9 October. While the ODIs will be played in Karachi, the T20I series will be played in Lahore.