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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