Pakistan head coach opens up on Sarfaraz Ahmed’s future

FAISALABAD: Pakistan’s Test head coach Jason Gillespie on Wednesday, opened up about the future of veteran wicket-keeper Sarfaraz Ahmed in the national team.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday, announced a 15-member squad for the first Test against England, which marked the return of fast bowling all-rounder Aamir Jamal and left-arm spinner Noman Ali.

Sarfaraz, who served as the mentor for the Dolphins in the ongoing Champions One-Day Cup, retained his place in the squad as the backup wicket-keeper alongside Mohammad Rizwan.

However, during the Champions One-Day Cup Eliminator 1 between Lions and Stallions, Jason Gillespie highlighted Sarfaraz’s growing age and the need to give chances to young wicketkeepers.

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“Sarfaraz [Ahmed] has always been a wonderful servant, leading the team very well. However, we know Sarfaraz is not getting any younger, and at some point, we need to start exploring and offering opportunities to other players,” Gillespie said.

Moreover, Gillespie was also asked about the exclusion of Kamran Ghulam from the Test squad.

Gillespie acknowledged Ghulam’s performances in domestic cricket and also for Pakistan Shaheens on their tour to Darwin but emphasized showing faith in the current squad.

“I saw him perform with Pakistan Shaheens in Darwin. His form has been acknowledged, but we’re showing faith and patience in our current squad,” said Gillespie.

Pakistan Squad for first England Test:

Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper), and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

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