Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has clarified his recent statement, which sparked speculation about his retirement from international cricket.
The veteran wicket-keeper, who is currently serving as the mentor of the Dolphins in the ongoing Champions T20 Cup, was questioned about his future during a media interaction last week.
“Look, as far as my career is concerned. I think I don’t need to say anything. Nothing is left. I know what you are waiting for and it will happen soon,” Sarfaraz responded, which fueled the speculations about his retirement.
However, in an interview with a local news channel on Monday, the former captain took the time to clarify his current status and future plans.
Despite the ongoing speculations regarding his retirement after being left out of the squad for the South Africa tour, Sarfaraz Ahmed asserted that he remains actively engaged in playing cricket and is open to seizing any opportunities that may come his way.
He reaffirmed his commitment and willingness to play for Pakistan in any position if given another opportunity.
“I’ve never demanded, ‘I want to bat here or there.’ If I am given the chance to play for the national team, I will gladly accept it,” he stated.
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The former captain stated that his decision to retire is deeply personal, and he will step down whenever he feels he can no longer contribute as a player.
“As far as leaving cricket is concerned, that is my personal decision. When I feel that I should quit cricket, I will quit,” he concluded.
Sarfaraz made his international debut for Pakistan in 2007 and has since become a significant figure in the team’s history.
He has worn the national jersey in 54 Test matches, 117 ODIs, and 61 T20 Internationals, amassing a total of 6,164 runs which includes six centuries and 32 half-centuries to his name.
His most notable achievement came in 2017 when he led Pakistan to its first-ever ICC Men’s Champions Trophy title with a stunning 180-run victory over fierce rivals India in the final.
Under his leadership, the Green Shirts achieved an impressive feat of 11 consecutive T20I series victories, the highest number ever accomplished by a captain of the Pakistan team.
However, his last appearance for the national side was in the first Test of a three-match series against Australia last year, where he managed to score only seven runs before being dropped from the squad.
Although he remained part of the Test setup for the home series against Bangladesh and the opening Test against England, he found himself warming the bench. Eventually, after a disheartening defeat in the first Test against England, he was released from the squad.
Meanwhile, his last appearance in a white-ball match for Pakistan dates back to November 2021.
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