KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez advised to give wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan ‘a break’ and include Sarfaraz Ahmed in the Playing XI for the upcoming Karachi Test.

Hafeez, in an interview with a local channel, commented on the debate of replacing Rizwan with Sarfaraz and threw his weight behind former Test captain Sarfaraz, emphasizing the fact that the former needs a break.

“Sarfaraz has been with the team for the last three years but only as a traveller and could not play a match and at several points, he can be given a chance to play,” said Hafeez.

“And I still think that the Pakistan Cricket Board’s think tank and even Babar should think that if Rizwan could not deliver well in this format then they should give him a break and Sarfaraz or even any other option they have, should be utilized in a best possible way,” he added.

Notably, besides Hafeez, former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik also advised including Sarfaraz and Shan Masood in the upcoming Karachi Test; claiming Sarfaraz will bring much experience & Shan will help this team to have more stability.

“In my opinion, Pakistan should include Sarfaraz Ahmed & Shan Masood in playing 11. Sarfaraz will bring much experience & Shan will help this team to have more stability. I hope our team will perform well in Karachi insha’Allah.” he tweeted.

Malik’s suggestion for changes in the team came at a time when Pakistan faced two consecutive defeats and lost the home series 2-0 against England.

England sealed a dramatic win earlier today as they beat Pakistan by 26 runs in Multan Test on Day 4.

It is pertinent to mention that Sarfaraz was captain of the side when he played his last Test in January 2019 and has since been unable to find a spot in the Playing XI.

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