Sarfaraz Ahmed Archives

Misbah-ul-Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed join Pakistan men’s selection committee

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed changes to its national men’s selection committee, bringing former captains Misbah-ul-Haq and Sarfaraz Ahmed into the panel following the resignation of former elite umpire Aleem Dar.

The updated composition of the selection committee was reflected on the PCB’s official website, confirming a four-member panel that now includes Misbah, Sarfaraz, former fast bowler Aqib Javed and ex-Test batter Asad Shafiq.

Dar’s departure comes after a relatively brief stint as a selector, having been appointed to the role on October 11, 2024. His exit follows reports suggesting internal disagreements during recent selection discussions.

According to sources, the multiple-time ICC Umpire of the Year had grown frustrated with the dynamics of the selection meetings, where he reportedly felt sidelined in the decision-making process.

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The former umpire is also understood to have opposed the inclusion of Babar Azam, Shadab Khan and Usman Khan in Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Sources further indicated that Dar had strongly backed wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan during the discussions.

He reportedly argued that if the management was willing to persist with players going through inconsistent form, Rizwan deserved similar backing and opportunities.

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Sarfaraz Ahmed set to be appointed as Pakistan Test head coach: sources

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is likely to appoint former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed as the Test head coach, with an official announcement expected in the coming days, ARY News reported on Wednesday, citing sources.

According to reports, Sarfaraz is likely to begin his tenure during Pakistan’s upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh in May.

The Test head coach position has remained vacant since the departure of Azhar Mahmood in October 2025.

Azhar had been appointed interim head coach in June 2025, with his contract initially set to run until March 2026.

He oversaw Pakistan’s home series against South Africa, which ended in a 1-1 draw against the reigning world Test champions.

However, with no red-ball assignments scheduled until the Bangladesh tour in 2026, both Azhar and the PCB mutually agreed to conclude his tenure earlier than planned.

Before stepping into the interim role, Azhar had served as an all-formats assistant coach since April 2024.

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Sarfaraz’s elevation comes on the back of his recent stint as mentor of Pakistan’s Under-19 side.

Under his guidance, Pakistan clinched the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025 title after defeating India in the final, a triumph that significantly strengthened his credentials for a senior role.

However, the team fell short at the ICC U19 World Cup 2026, exiting at the Super Six stage without reaching the semi-finals.

Sources suggest the PCB views the leadership experience of Sarfaraz Ahmed as a key factor in entrusting him with the Test side.

Pakistan are scheduled to tour Bangladesh in May for a two-match Test series, with the first Test beginning on May 8 and the second on May 16.

A seasoned wicketkeeper-batter, the 38-year-old has been one of Pakistan’s reliable performers in the longer format. In 54 Tests, he has scored 3,031 runs at an average of 37.41, including four centuries and 21 half-centuries.

In One Day Internationals, Sarfaraz accumulated 2,315 runs in 117 matches at 33.55, registering two centuries and 11 fifties. He also represented Pakistan in 61 T20Is, scoring 818 runs at a strike rate of 125.26.

READ: Ali Tareen reacts to Multan Sultans’ return to PSL

Sarfaraz Ahmed reacts to inclusion of new teams in PSL

Former Pakistan captain and U19 team manager Sarfaraz Ahmed has hailed the inclusion of two new teams in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) ahead of the landmark 11th season.

Sarfaraz took to his X account and extended congratulations to the new team owners and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

“Well done, PCB and PSL, on a successful auction. Congratulations to KingsmenCricket and OZGroupOfficial on their bids,” he wrote.

“Great to see the league expand to 8 teams—welcome Hyderabad and Sialkot. Pakistan Zindabad,” he added.

Earlier today, PSL officially expanded ahead of season 11, with Hyderabad and Sialkot confirmed as the two new franchises following a high-stakes auction held at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad.

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The two teams will make their debut in PSL season 11, joining the existing six franchises, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators, Islamabad United, and Multan Sultans.

The official names of the Hyderabad and Sialkot teams will be announced at a later stage.

The auction saw intense competition among qualified bidders, with aggressive bids reflecting the league’s growing commercial value.

The Hyderabad franchise was secured by the FKS Group, owned by Fawad Sarwar, after a successful bid of Rs 1.75 billion.

Later, OZ Developers, owned by Hamza Majeed, clinched the Sialkot franchise with a record-breaking bid of Rs1.85 billion, the highest figure of the auction.

PSL Teams Auction LIVE HERE

As per PSL auction rules, successful bidders were given the option to choose their home cities from a PCB-approved list that included Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit.

Hyderabad and Sialkot ultimately emerged as the preferred choices.

With the addition of two new teams, PSL 11 is set to be the biggest edition of the tournament to date. The upcoming season is scheduled to run from March 26 to May 3.

READ: Hyderabad, Sialkot join PSL ahead of landmark season 11

Sarfaraz Ahmed slams India’s conduct in U19 Asia Cup final

Pakistan Under-19 cricket team mentor and former national captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has criticized India’s conduct during the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025 final, calling it “unethical” while praising his young squad for a historic and dominant victory.

The boys in green clinched their maiden ACC U19 Asia Cup title emphatically, defending a massive 348-run target by bowling India out for just 156 in 26.2 overs, sealing a 191-run win.

Speaking at a media conference after reaching Pakistan, Sarfaraz did not hold back on India’s behavior during the final.

“India’s behavior regarding the game was not good, and the Indian team’s conduct in cricket was unethical,” he said.

“But we celebrated the victory with sportsmanship, because there should always be sportsmanship in cricket; what India did is their own action.”

The 2017 Champions Trophy-winning captain also revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a cash reward of Rs10 million for each squad member in recognition of their historic achievement.

“The Prime Minister has announced a reward of Rs 10 million for each player, and in the future, these young players will make the country proud,” Sarfaraz added.

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He lauded the team for their exceptional performance, singling out middle-order batter Ahmed Hussain for his gutsy 56 off 72 balls, alongside Sameer Minhas, who top-scored with a sensational 172 off 113 deliveries.

“Ahmed Hussain’s innings was as important as Sameer Minhas’,” Sarfaraz said, highlighting the collective effort that propelled Pakistan to victory.

Pakistan U19 head coach Shahid Anwar also praised the preparation behind the triumph.

He revealed that a talent hunt starting June 17 involved seventy players undergoing trials, with each given four matches to impress selectors before being invited to the final camp.

The ten-day camp in Karachi featured guidance from former cricketers who helped refine the squad’s skills.

“Our goal upon leaving the country was clear: to win the trophy and, more importantly, to win the hearts of cricket fans,” Anwar stated, summarising the team’s dedication and focus.

WATCH: Pakistan’s U19 Asia Cup heroes receive grand welcome after crushing India

Sarfaraz Ahmed reflects on Pakistan U19 Asia Cup triumph

DUBAI: Pakistan U-19 team manager and mentor Sarfaraz Ahmed opened up after his side’s victory in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup final against India, calling the win a ‘collective effort’ and ‘morale booster’.

Pakistan defeated India by a hefty margin of 191 runs in the final to lift the title for the second time after 13 long years.

Speaking after Pakistan’s triumph, Sarfaraz lauded the players for rising to the occasion and termed them future assets for Pakistan cricket if given the right opportunity.

“I told the boys to play openly and trust their abilities. I had talked to them in the previous matches as well. They are very talented, and if given the right investment, they can go ahead and win titles for Pakistan,” he remarked.

“It’s definitely a good victory. The morale of the Pakistan team is very high, and hopefully, we will carry this momentum forward in the World Cup,” he said, calling the victory a morale booster ahead of the mega event.

Regarding the team’s outstanding performance in the final against arch-rivals, he attributed it to hard work and effective management.

“You don’t shout magic into the team; it’s all God’s grace and the result of hard work. Whenever the team wins, whether it’s the players or team managers, being on the same page with the same goal makes a difference,” he continued.

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The 38-year-old praised Sameer Minhas — who scored a monumental `172 in the final and earned the player of the tournament award, noting that he had never seen such an imperious knock at the Youth level.

“I have been following U19 cricket since 2002, and in my 23 years, I don’t think I’ve seen such a commanding innings in such a big final by any player,”

It’s a head-turning performance, and it came from the player’s own effort and the coaches who worked with them in the academies,” Sarfaraz said.

The former captain of the Pakistan team called the victory a collective effort, while also lauding the players for their individual contributions.

“The coaches have done a lot of hard work, and Subhan had outstanding bowling in the finals. Both Ali Raza and Subhan bowled amazingly, and Mohamed Siam also performed brilliantly.

So three bowlers delivered throughout the tournament. As I said, while there were individual performances, this is a collective team effort that made them champions,” he concluded.

READ: Sameer Minhas shatters multiple records in U19 Asia Cup final

Sarfaraz Ahmed confident ahead of ACC U-19 Asia Cup

KARACHI: Pakistan U-19 team manager and mentor Sarfaraz Ahmed expressed confidence ahead of the eight-team Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Asia Cup, which is slated to commence from 12 December in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Earlier today, the Pakistan U-19 team departed for Dubai to participate in the upcoming tournament.

Speaking to the PCB digital media, Sarfaraz mentioned the young players’ potential, noting that the management have given them full backing for the tournament.

“We have done our best and reminded the players that they are the finest young cricketers in Pakistan. Their strong performances earned them a place in the side, and we have given them complete backing and confidence,” he said.

“We are hopeful they will deliver strong performances for Pakistan. Over the past seven days, the players have worked extremely hard and trained intensively,” he added.

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He emphasized continuity to emerge as the best team in the tournament, stating that the team will gel quickly and do well in the Asian tournament.

“We will have a practice session before the Asia Cup and we hope the team settles in quickly and performs well in the tournament. To be the best team in the competition, you have to perform consistently in all three matches,” Sarfaraz Ahmed concluded.

For the unversed, Pakistan is placed in Group A in the ACC U-19 Asia Cup. The Green Shirts will play their opening match against Malaysia at the Sevens Stadium in Dubai on Friday, 12 December.

Their second fixture will be against India at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Academy Ground on Sunday, 14 December, while their third fixture will be against the UAE on Tuesday, 16 December, at the same venue.

15-member squad:

Farhan Yousaf (captain), Usman Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hassan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Huzaifa, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan (wk), Niqab Shafiq, and Sameer Minhas

Non-traveling reserve players:

Abdul Qadir, Hasnain Dar, Mohammad Hassan Khan, Ibtisam Azhar, and Umar Zaib

Support staff:

Sarfaraz Ahmed (manager/mentor), Shahid Anwar (head coach/batting coach), Rao Iftikhar (bowling coach), Mansoor Amjad (fielding coach.), Abrar Ahmed (trainer), Ubaidullah (physio), Ali Hamza (analyst)

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Sarfaraz Ahmed appointed manager, mentor for Pakistan U19 team

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has handed former national captain Sarfaraz Ahmed a key role as manager and mentor of the Pakistan U19 team for the upcoming ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025, scheduled in Dubai from 12 to 21 December.

The announcement came alongside the release of Pakistan’s 15-member squad for the 50-over tournament, with last year’s participant Farhan Yousaf named captain.

Pakistan have been drawn in Group A alongside India, Qualifier 1, and Qualifier 3, while Group B features Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Qualifier 2, and Sri Lanka.

The tournament will act as vital preparation for the ICC U19 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia from 15 January to 6 February 2026.

Pakistan will begin their campaign on 12 December against Qualifier 3 at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai.

The high-profile clash against India will follow on 14 December at the ICC Academy Ground, with their final group match against Qualifier 1 scheduled for 16 December.

The semi-finals are set for 19 December, with the final to be held on 21 December.

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Sarfaraz Ahmed brings extensive experience to the role, having enjoyed a prolific international career.

In 54 Tests, he scored 3,031 runs, including four centuries and 21 fifties. He also amassed 2,315 runs in 117 ODIs, with two centuries and 11 fifties, and contributed 818 runs in 61 T20Is, including three fifties.

As captain, Sarfaraz led Pakistan to the 2017 Champions Trophy triumph, defeating India by 180 runs in the final.

He maintained a 70% win rate in Tests as captain, achieved a 62.5% win rate in the 2019 Cricket World Cup, and recorded a 78.37% win rate in T20Is.

The 38-year-old last represented Pakistan in red-ball cricket during a Test against Australia in Perth in 2023.

Pakistan’s support staff for the U19 Asia Cup includes Shahid Anwar as head coach and batting coach, Rao Iftikhar as bowling coach, Mansoor Amjad as fielding coach, Abrar Ahmed as trainer, Ubaidullah as physiotherapist, and Ali Hamza as analyst.

Pakistan U19 Squad: Farhan Yousaf (captain), Usman Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hassan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Huzaifa, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan (wk), Niqab Shafiq and Sameer Minhas

Non-travelling reserve players: Abdul Qadir, Hasnain Dar, Mohammad Hassan Khan, Ibtisam Azhar and Umar Zaib

Support staff: Sarfaraz Ahmed (manager/mentor), Shahid Anwar (head coach/batting coach), Rao Iftikhar (bowling coach), Mansoor Amjad (fielding coach), Abrar Ahmed (trainer), Ubaidullah (physio), Ali Hamza (analyst)

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PCB assigns key role to Sarfaraz Ahmed

LAHORE: Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been handed a key role in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), sources said on Sunday.

According to sources, the wicket-keeper has been assigned to oversee matters regarding the Pakistan Shaheens and the Pakistan Under-19 teams.

The role will involve looking after squads, including coordination with coaches, squad management, and arrangements for domestic and international tours. Additionally, Sarfaraz could also travel with the teams on their tours.

It is pertinent to note that this will be the second time the 38-year-old has been assigned a role in the PCB. Previously, he had served as the mentor of the Dolphins team in the Champions Cup, which was held last year.

Earlier, Sarfaraz Ahmed, as Team Director of Quetta Gladiators in the PSL 10, opened up on the challenges of transitioning to the coaching role.

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The wicket-keeping batter led the side for eight years and in a record 80 matches since the inception of the PSL in 2016, and played as a player in the previous edition of the league.

In an interview with PCB Digital, Sarfaraz Ahmed said: “It is an exciting role for me, and I am trying to learn as I have previously worked as a mentor in the two Champions Cup events for team Dolphins”.

Sarfaraz Ahmed added, “It’s not easy for a player to transition into a coaching role, especially after being involved as a player on the field, but over time you need to evolve your skillset and adapt to new responsibilities. I have been with Quetta since the start of the HBL PSL.”

Recalling Quetta Gladiators’ triumph in the 2019 edition, the former Pakistan captain called it a memorable moment after reaching finals and playoffs for three years.

For the unversed, Sarfaraz is a vastly experienced player, having represented Pakistan in 54 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 61 T20Is.

He also brought several accolades to Pakistan, as he led the national team to victories in the ICC U19 World Cup 2006 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2017.

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Mohammad Amir opens up on comeback plans

Left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir has dismissed talk of an international comeback, stating that it’s time for Pakistan cricket to move forward.

The 33-year-old explained that he has no intentions of making a comeback and his decision is final.

“For the past two or three days, I have been hearing that Mohammad Amir is making a comeback and taking back his retirement. No discussion has taken place with me about any comeback or withdrawing retirement, nor do I have any such plan. The decision I made regarding retirement is final,” Amir remarked

“My fans say that I should come back, but Pakistan cricket also needs to move forward,” he continued.

He also backed the Pakistan team for T20 World Cup glory after ending as runners-up in the Asia Cup 2025.

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“There are young players in the team. If the youngsters play consistently, in two or three years a strong team will be formed. I hope the team will be well-prepared for the World Cup. We played the Asia Cup final; now I hope we play the World Cup final and win as well,” he stated.

Mohammad Amir lavished praise on wicket-keeper Sarafaraz Ahmed and talked about his potential role as a chief selector.

“Even if he is not appointed Chief Selector, if he comes in as a selector, it will be a good decision. Sarfaraz Ahmed has played with the current players, which could be an advantage,” he said.

“Sarfaraz Ahmed is an honest and sincere person; Pakistan cricket can benefit from people like him. Cricketers should also be capable of managing affairs and should be good players. Many cricketers came before, but they left the team in turmoil,” he concluded.

For the unversed, Mohammad Amir had previously announced his retirement from international cricket back in 2020 at the age of 28, citing differences with the then-team management.

However, he, along with Imad Wasim, came out of international retirement in 2024 and declared availability for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

Ultimately, Amir decided to step away from international cricket again in 2019.

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Sarfaraz Ahmed reacts to Pakistan tri-series victory over Afghanistan

Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed expressed his views on Pakistan’s 75-run victory over Afghanistan in the tri-series final at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Afghanistan faltered in a 142-run chase and were bowled out for just 66 in 15.5 overs.

Afghanistan had a similar start to Pakistan as they lost their opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz (5) in the opening over.

The next wicket came on the fourth ball of the fourth over as Sediqullah Atal (13) was caught by Faheem Ashraf. The wicket, however, sparked a massive collapse that Afghanistan could not recover from.

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With Mohammad Nawaz’s introduction into the attack in the last over of the powerplay, things got ominous for Afghanistan. He first removed Darwish Rasooli for nought and then Azmatullah Omarzai (0) to put Pakistan in a commanding position.

Furthermore, he sent Ibrahim Zadran (9) packing on the first ball of the next over to bag a hat-trick. As a result, Afghanistan were 32-5 in 7.1 overs.

Afghanistan continued to lose wickets with no major contribution from the middle order, which eventually handed Pakistan a comprehensive victory.

For Pakistan, Mohammad Nawaz remained the standout bowler, taking five wickets, whereas Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem picked up two wickets each.

Sarfaraz Ahmed praised team performance on his social media handle, lauding Salman Ali Agha’s captaincy and hailing Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf’s contributions.

“Congratulations, Team Pakistan, on winning the tri-nation series, well led by Agha, and excellent bowling by all the bowlers Nawaze you beauty Rana Je well played,” he wrote

READ: Salman Ali Agha opens up after Pakistan’s tri-series triumph