PCB to replace Sarfaraz Ahmed as Test captain, names Shan Masood as successor: report

Mumbai: As per the reports of GEO News, the Pakistan Cricket Board will relieve Sarfaraz of his duties from the Test side. The report states that the board is likely to hold a meeting on August 2, and during the same day only the Cricket Committee will take the initiative to remove Sarfaraz Ahmed as Test captain. The report also added that Shan Masood will be his successor.

The report comes after Pakistan’s incumbent skipper in a statement had mentioned that he has no intention to step down from the role of captain.

Earlier, in July, Sarfaraz Ahmed addressed the media after Pakistan’s dismal World Cup run and stated, “It’s not that I’m saying I refuse to resign. All I’m saying is the decision rests with the PCB, the same way as the decision to appoint me captain was taken by them. I’m sure they’ll take the decision that’s best for Pakistan.”

Pakistan are scheduled to play two Tests vs Sri Lanka and two Tests vs Australia later this year, both being part of the World Test Championship.

Sarfaraz Ahmed has captained Pakistan in 13 Tests, winning just four, drawing one and losing the remaining eight.

Shan Masood, who is expected to take over the role of captaincy from Sarfaraz, has struggled to retain his place in the Test side since making his debut in 2013.

Masood, who leads National Bank in Pakistan’s domestic league, has amassed 797 runs from 15 Tests at a below-par average of 26.43 for Pakistan. The 29-year-old left-handed batsman has been included in the Test squad after making his debut in 2013.

Masood was recalled to the Test squad after he scored 228 runs in the three match Test series against South Africa in December 2018.

The PCB has invited Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mickey Arthur and Sarfaraz Ahmed to attend the meeting on August 2 to give their feedback and evaluation of the team’s World Cup performance.