Pakistan under-19 captain Saad Baig has recently revealed his deep admiration for former all-format captain Sarfaraz Ahmed.
During a recent interview with a local sports outlet, Baig opened up about his journey and experience of leading the side to the semi-finals of the ICC U19 World Cup 2023.
“I started with tape ball cricket. Then my father got me admitted to Custom Cricket Academy. That’s where my journey began,” Baig said.
“I played U13, then U16, and after performing for three years there, I performed in the PJL. After consistently performing, PCB announced me as a captain. I represented Pakistan in the World Cup as a captain and also in the Asia Cup. So, thank God, the journey has been very good so far.”
Saad Baig also reflected on the role of captain in cricket, emphasizing on the handling the pressure as a leader.
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“As a captain, there is pressure on you. But how you lead your team under that pressure is a very important role. The journey of the U19 World Cup was very good; we showed good performances,” he added.
Prior to the U19 World Cup, Baig approached Sarfaraz Ahmed for advice. Baig disclosed that Sarfaraz provided him with valuable guidance, expressing his aspiration to emulate Sarfaraz’s strong leadership as a captain.
“Before going to the World Cup, I had a conversation with Saifi Bhai [Sarfaraz Ahmed]. He told me how he played during his World Cup journey and gave me tips because he was also a captain,” shared Baig.
“I learned a lot from him; he always backs me. After the World Cup, he taught me a lot and gave me advice. So, as a captain, I like him very much. I like a bit of aggressiveness on the field, which he has, and I also want to be a captain like him and lead my team to victory.”
For the unversed, Sarfaraz led Pakistan to the U19 World Cup victory in 2006, by defeating arch-rivals India in the final.
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