Tag: Sarfaraz Ahmed

LAHORE: Quetta Gladiators team director Sarfaraz Ahmed expressed his gratitude after the team qualified for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 final, crediting collective performance and impactful leadership throughout the season.

Speaking during the post-match press conference, Sarfaraz stated that Quetta’s performance had earned them a well deserved victory.

“First of all, we thank Almighty Allah for helping us reach the final. Quetta played really well today and deserved the win, ” he said.

Sarfaraz reflected on the past struggles while hailing improved performance this season and highlighted Saud Shakeel’s leadership as a vital factor behind the turnaround.

“We haven’t played well in the last few seasons, but this time, we’ve performed impressively. Saud has done a great job with the captaincy this season,” he noted.

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He also credited the squad depth, mentioning Lahore’s advantage for their team while pointing out the challenges in picking the best XI.

“We had impactful players on the side this season, Khawaja Nafey and Haseebullah Khan. We did not want to bench them but somehow we had players who performed well.

“Lahore, being our home ground this time, also gave us a significant advantage,” said Sarfaraz Ahmed.

Sarfaraz Ahmed hailed Quetta Gladiators’ fielding, stating that it played a big role in their victory.

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“Islamabad United had a strong and balanced side, but our fielding made the difference. Saud took a catch at the crucial juncture of the match. The boys did really well in the field, and it played a big part in our win.”

Quetta Gladiators’ team director also praised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and organisers for reviving the tournament which was postponed due to conflict between India and Pakistan.

“We want the players to rest for a day and then begin preparing for the final. And who knows—maybe it’ll rain and we win!” he said in a light-hearted manner.

“The PCB, PSL management and franchises deserve credit for reviving the tournament and delivering a successful season,” Sarfaraz concluded.

READ: ‘We executed everything to perfection’: Saud Shakeel on victory over Islamabad United

Former Pakistan captain and team director of Quetta Gladiators, Sarfaraz Ahmed, has recently shared his thoughts on transitioning to his new role with the franchise.

Sarfaraz, who led Quetta Gladiators from the front for eight consecutive seasons, called the shift from captaincy to the team director’s role “interesting” and acknowledged that he’s in the process of learning and adapting.

“It’s an interesting experience stepping into this role after captaining Quetta for so long. I’m trying to learn. I did take on a mentoring role previously in the Champions Cup, so that helped prepare me in some ways,” he said.

While expressing that it’s not easy for a player to switch to a coaching or management role, Sarfaraz highlighted the importance of evolving with time.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“It’s never easy for a player to transition into a coaching role, but over time, you have to polish your skills and align yourself with new responsibilities,” he added.

Sarfaraz Ahmed has been with the Quetta Gladiators since the inaugural edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in 2016, a long-standing association that he says remains special.

“I’m happy to have been associated with Quetta since the very beginning of the PSL. Watching the league grow year by year has been a proud journey. Credit goes to the PCB and all stakeholders involved,” he further stated.

While the past few seasons have been tough for Quetta Gladiators, Sarfaraz is hopeful about a turnaround this time.

“Unfortunately, we haven’t performed well over the last three seasons, but we’ve picked players this year who are well-suited for T20 cricket. We also have some big overseas names, and we’re hopeful they’ll deliver strong performances,” he added.

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Sarfaraz also took a moment to praise some of the local talent in the squad, including young batters Hassan Nawaz and Khawaja Nafay.

“Hassan Nawaz is a promising young player, and this is a great opportunity for him to develop and aim for a spot in the national team. Similarly, Khawaja Nafay is also a talented youngster with a bright future,” he said.

He also threw his weight behind new captain Saud Shakeel, who has taken over the leadership reins this season.

“Saud has the full backing of the team. He’s shown good leadership skills, which are reflected in our first win. Even though we couldn’t win the next two games, we have complete faith in him to lead the team forward,” he concluded.

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Legendary West Indian batter and Quetta Gladiators mentor Sir Vivian Richards has hailed former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed for his leadership qualities.

Sarfaraz etched his mark on Pakistan’s cricketing history by leading the national team to a glorious victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017.

His remarkable journey continued as he steered the Quetta Gladiators to their first-ever Pakistan Super League (PSL) title in 2019.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Throughout his tenure, Sarfaraz captained the Gladiators from the very first season of the PSL to its eighth. Currently, he is serving as the Team Director of Quetta Gladiators.

Sir Vivian Richards, in an exclusive conversation with a local sports platform, reflected on Sarfaraz’s legacy in Pakistan cricket and the impact he had on his teammates.

“Sarfaraz Ahmed has always been a strong captain. He led from the heart,” said Richards. “Players who served Pakistan with such dedication for years will surely be remembered on the field.”

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Looking ahead, Richards expressed optimism about Pakistan cricket’s future, saying the system must keep producing players who embody Sarfaraz’s fighting spirit.

“As we move forward, I hope we continue to find players who carry Sarfaraz’s kind of passion,” he added.

When asked about Quetta Gladiators’ current skipper Saud Shakeel, Richards acknowledged the young left-hander’s journey as a leader.

“Saud Shakeel is still a young captain and is currently learning,” Richards said.

READ: Shoaib Malik responds to criticism over PSL 10 participation

Former Pakistan captain and current Quetta Gladiators Team Director Sarfaraz Ahmed has finally addressed the growing speculation about his retirement from professional cricket.

The seasoned wicketkeeper-batter, who last represented the national team in December 2023, made it clear that he hasn’t hung up his boots just yet — and will only take that step when he personally feels the time is right.

In an exclusive conversation with a local sports outlet, Sarfaraz said he hasn’t made any official decision regarding retirement.

“I haven’t announced my retirement yet,” he clarified firmly.

Speaking about how difficult it is for a professional cricketer to stay away from the game, Sarfaraz acknowledged the emotional challenge of being on the sidelines.

“When someone has played cricket all their life, it obviously hurts to stay away from the game,” he admitted.

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“There comes a time when every player has to step away from cricket, but I try to make the most of whatever matches I get.”

Despite remaining unpicked in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 Draft, the former skipper revealed that he hasn’t given up hope of a comeback in professional cricket.

“I still keep some hope alive that maybe I’ll get another chance,” he shared.

“I never said that I have to play for Pakistan — of course, it’s every player’s dream to represent their country. I just want to perform well in whatever cricket I play and give my 100 percent.”

Sarfaraz Ahmed, who is also working as a team mentor with the Dolphins in the Champions Cup, added that the decision to retire will come only when he feels it deep within.

“When I feel the moment has arrived, I’ll say it myself — yes, my cricket is over now,” he concluded.

READ: Mohammad Hasnain eyes Asia Cup spot with strong PSL 10 performance

Former captain of Pakistan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, has been appointed as the team director of Quetta Gladiators ahead of the 2025 Pakistan Super League (PSL 10).

While announcing his appointment, Nadeem Umar, franchise owner, expressed his confidence in Sarfaraz’s ability to excel in the role.

Sarfaraz Ahmed has been a key player for the Gladiators since the league began. The wicket-keeper batter led the team to its only PSL title in 2019.

The PSL 10 will begin from Friday, 11 April with defending champions Islamabad United taking on two times champions Lahore Qalandars at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The six-team tournament will see 34 matches from 11 April to 18 May, with Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium set to host 13 matches, including two Eliminators and the final.

Also, the upcoming edition will feature an exhibition match, which will be played on 8 April in Peshawar. The teams of the match will be confirmed in due course.

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According to the PSL 10 schedule, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host 11 matches, including Qualifier 1 on 13 May. Karachi’s National Bank Stadium and Multan Cricket Stadium will host five matches each.

The marquee event will also feature three double-headers, with two matches on weekends (Saturday) and one on a national holiday (Labour Day).

Karachi Kings, the winners of the league’s fifth edition, will begin their campaign on 12 April in their own backyard against runners-up of the last edition, Multan Sultans.

The first PSL 10 match in Multan will be played on 22 April between the Multan Sultans and Lahore Qalandars.

The newly constructed Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will welcome the tenth edition of the PSL on 24 April with home side Qalandars, winners of the seventh and eighth editions, taking on Peshawar Zalmi.

Peshawar Zalmi, champions of the PSL 2017, will play their five matches at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, while the winners of the fourth edition, Quetta Gladiators, will play five matches at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Read: Bangladesh’s Mahmudullah Riyad retires from international cricket

Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has urged former cricketers to approach their criticism of the national team with more balance and understanding following the team’s disastrous ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign.

The hosts and defending champions, Pakistan, crashed out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after successive defeats at the hands of New Zealand and India.

The Men in Green’s final group game against Bangladesh was abandoned due to rain, leaving the 2017 edition winners without a win.

Following the team’s ouster from the tournament, many former cricketers criticized the current team, further intensifying the scrutiny on the squad.

Speaking on the current state of Pakistan cricket, Sarfaraz Ahmed pointed out that no team plays with the intention of losing, emphasizing that the criticism should always be balanced and fair.

“It is often said that the team didn’t play well. Former cricketers, management, and coaches know that no team plays to lose,” said Sarfaraz.

“When criticizing players, it’s important to maintain balance in the discussion. Those sitting on TV have also gone through those phases.”

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The former captain also touched on the contrast between playing and commenting on the game, reminding critics that attitudes change after retirement.

“There is a difference in attitude when playing and after retiring from the game,” he added.

Sarfaraz Ahmed also expressed hope that Pakistan’s young squad for the tour of New Zealand will come out victorious despite challenging conditions.

“The Pakistan team for the New Zealand tour consists of young players. I hope the results will be in our favor, but the conditions in New Zealand have always been challenging,” he added.

With the national team facing both external and internal challenges, Sarfaraz reminded fans to maintain their support for the players, especially during tough times.

“I would like to tell the nation that you have always supported the team. I urge you to continue standing by the team. I hope the future will bring good things for Pakistan cricket,” he concluded.

READ: Jason Gillespie slams Sunil Gavaskar’s ‘nonsense’ comment on Pakistan cricket team

Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has recalled the advice he gave to his players ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 final against arch-rivals India.

Pakistan thrashed India by 180 runs to clinch their first ICC title since 2009 courtesy of some fine batting and bowling performances from Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Amir.

Zaman’s phenomenal performance helped the Pakistani team post a mammoth total of 338 runs which resulted in a famous victory over arch-rivals.

Similarly, Mohammad Amir wreaked havoc on India’s top order in the Champions Trophy 2017 final with his bowling, dismissing the star-studded trio of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli, to help Pakistan achieve one of the most glorious feats in history.

Amir’s sensational figures of 3 for 16 in six overs helped the Green Shirts to bowl out India for 158.

Recalling Pakistan’s campaign in the tournament, Sarfaraz Ahmed said that the team made a remarkable comeback after losing the group-stage match against India.

The archrivals faced off in the group stage games where India defeated Pakistan by 124 runs (DLS method).

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“In 2017, we played India in our first match and were soundly beaten by 124 runs. It was my first game as captain and we were poor in all areas,” he shared.

“Afterwards, we had a great team meeting, and some of our senior guys – Shoaib Malik, and Mohammad Hafeez – all said their piece. You need those types of characters around you,”

However, the Men in Green kept their chances alive in the Champions Trophy as they beat South Africa and Sri Lanka in the following games before defeating England in the semi-final.

Speaking of his mindset and his advice to his players before the game, the former Pakistan captain said that he told his players to ‘relax’ and ‘forget the result.’

“I was just confident our level was very high and my message to the players ahead of the final was to relax,” Sarfaraz said.

“We knew we had beaten some of the best teams, so India was nothing we had not seen. I told the guys to relax, forget the result and just give 100%. The rest is history.”

READ: Virat Kohli reacts to Rajat Patidar’s appointment as captain

Former Pakistan captain and wicket-keeper Sarfaraz Ahmed predicted his semi-finalists for the much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to commence on 19 February in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.

Sarfaraz named defending champions Pakistan, India, Australia, and Afghanistan as the four teams qualifying for the semi-finals.

“If I had to pick four teams that will go in semi-finals, I would probably choose Pakistan, India, Australia, and Afghanistan, but I would not rule any team out,” said the former skipper.

The 2017 title-winning captain also shed light on playing on home turf for Pakistan, lauding the high expectations from fans.

“Playing at home and being the defending champions will surely add pressure; there will be high expectations, but the fans will get behind them,” he stated.

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The former captain praised the Afghanistan team and considered them a strong contender in the Champions Trophy.

“It is a stacked field; every team can win it. I think Afghanistan has a strong team. Their spin options are so good, and you will need that to succeed in these conditions,” he remarked.

While reflecting on the current Pakistani squad, the wicket-keeper backed the team and said that the Men in Green have a good chance of defending the title.

“Pakistan have a good chance of defending the title, and I think they have a strong team,” said Sarfaraz.

“Some of the players from 2017 are still there, and we’re talking about some of the best – especially Babar Azam,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman in the team, calling them a vital cog in the team’s success.

“He is a different Babar to the one that played in 2017, a more mature and dominant player. His batting will be so important for Pakistan, and so will Fakhar Zaman’s,” he added.

The former captain emphasized the importance of Pakistan’s bowling attack, naming Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf as two of the world’s best fast bowlers.

“With the ball, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf are brilliant bowlers and are playing well,” said Sarfaraz.

Sarfaraz Ahmed termed the match between Pakistan and India as one of the most anticipated games in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 while acknowledging the pressure surrounding the encounter.

“In group matches, everyone will be talking about Pakistan’s match against India, and the game will be huge,” he said.

“Whenever we meet, it is a special occasion, and there is so much hype and pressure. But as players, you need to stay calm, try and block that noise out and play with the same intensity as you would play Australia or any other team,” he concluded.

READ: Rizwan, Salman tons power Pakistan into tri-series final; South Africa eliminated

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) named former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed as ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 ambassador on Wednesday.

Sarfaraz joined the elusive list of ambassadors for the mega-event, including India’s Shikhar Dhawan, New Zealand’s Tim Southee and Australia’s Shane Watson.

“With a week to go until the first ball is bowled in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the lineup of Event Ambassadors that will feature to add to the fan experience,” ICC stated in a press release.

“Pakistan’s 2017 winning captain Sarfaraz Ahmed features in an all-star cast that also boasts two-time champion, Australia’s Shane Watson, Player of the Series in India’s 2013 trophy-winning campaign, Shikhar Dhawan, and New Zealand’s legendary fast bowler, Tim Southee.

“With a wealth of experience in the Champions Trophy, over the course of the coming weeks, the lineup will provide fans with unrivalled insights into the competition through guest columns and match attendance, sharing their thoughts on what promises to be a thrilling event, where the world’s best eight teams will compete for the iconic white jackets.”

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Sarfaraz Ahmed shared that wearing the iconic white jacket after winning the Champions Trophy 2017 was special.

“I will never forget how special it felt to don the white jackets and lift the trophy aloft as Pakistan captain back in 2017,” said Sarfaraz.

“Seeing the nation get behind us and celebrate that success is also something that’s very close to my heart, so I am delighted to see the competition return to the cricket calendar and see my country given the opportunity to host such a special event.

“The format means that every game is so important, and I can’t wait to play my part as an Ambassador and witness the tournament first-hand.”

Meanwhile, Shikhar Dhawan expressed his excitement to be part of the Champions Trophy 2025 as an ambassador.

“It is such a special feeling to be part of a Champions Trophy, and to be given the opportunity to enjoy the upcoming edition as an Ambassador is an honour,” Dhawan stated.

“Over the next few weeks, we’ll see the best sides in the world competing for the white jackets knowing that one mistake or one loss could spell the end of their hopes.

“It’s the ultimate competition where it’s all on the line, and that is what makes it such a thrilling spectacle.”

READ: Afghanistan spinner ruled out of Champions Trophy, replacement named

Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is set to join the Pakistan Champions team for the upcoming second edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL), which is scheduled to commence on 18 July.

The wicket-keeper batter’s participation in the tournament was confirmed via the official social media handle of the Pakistan Champions team.

The team’s social media account posted a video confirming Sarfaraz’s signing, captioning it: “CAPTAIN. LEADER. LEGEND! Sarfaraz Ahmed is bringing his winning mentality to Pakistan Champions for WCL Season 2.”

Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2017-winning captain will bring a wealth of experience in WCL Season 2, not only as a player but also as a leader.

Under Sarfaraz’s captaincy, Pakistan won 11 consecutive T20I series defeating teams like West Indies, Australia, New Zealand, England, and Zimbabwe.

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The tournament will start with a clash between the England Champions and Pakistan Champions at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham. The much-awaited match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan will be played on July 31.

Moreover, the former South Africa captain and star batter AB de Villiers will be participating in the upcoming edition of the above-mentioned tournament.

For the unversed, the World Championship of Legends (WCL) is an exhilarating T20 tournament that showcases an impressive lineup of retired and non-contracted cricket players, representing their national teams.

The upcoming edition marks the second instalment of the WCL, following the inaugural tournament held in 2024, where the Indian team, led by the legendary Yuvraj Singh, emerged as champions.

READ: AB de Villiers confirms comeback, set to play for South Africa in THIS tournament