Former Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed leaves country amid uncertainties over future with Pakistan Cricket – Reports

Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has made a significant move, relocating to London with his family amid uncertainty about his future on the national Test side. The decision follows Ahmed’s struggles with the bat during the opening Test against Australia last year, where he managed just three and four runs.

Subsequently, Mohammad Rizwan replaced him for the remaining Tests in Australia. Feeling disheartened about his future in Pakistan, Sarfaraz opted to move to London. Sarfaraz faced challenges in the Test series beyond Australia, delivering below expectations in two Tests in Sri Lanka last year, scoring 17, one run, and an unbeaten 14 in three innings.

However, the 36-year-old showcased a remarkable comeback during the home Test series against New Zealand a year ago, accumulating 335 runs in four innings at an impressive average of 83.75. With a potential County Championship stint in mind, Sarfaraz is considering following the path of India legend Cheteshwar Pujara, who previously represented Yorkshire in county cricket.

Sarfaraz Ahmed is set to represent the Quetta Gladiators

Meanwhile, he is gearing up for the upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League, representing the Quetta Gladiators. Sarfaraz boasts a strong T20 record, amassing 1503 runs in 68 innings at a strike rate of 123.80, including seven half-centuries.

Quetta Gladiators, led by Sarfaraz Ahmed, will kick off their 2024 PSL campaign against Peshawar Zalmi at Gadaffi Stadium on February 18. The seasoned cricketer has an impressive international career, having represented Pakistan in 54 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 61 T20Is, accumulating 6,164 runs with six tonnes and 35 fifties.

His leadership has seen Pakistan triumph in the 2006 U19 World Cup and the 2017 Champions Trophy, defeating India on both occasions. Sarfaraz also led Quetta Gladiators to victory in the PSL, securing the trophy by beating Peshawar Zalmi in the final. It’s worth noting that after a dispute with the Pakistan Cricket Board, Sarfaraz had to step down and leave the team for some time.