While everyone commends Pakistan’s performance in the Test series against England and celebrates Shaan Masood’s century, on the other hand, controversy also erupted after a picture of former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed bringing water to the field went viral on social media. The matter became so big that even Head Coach Misbah ul Haq had to address it in the post-match press conference.
Several of Sarfaraz’s fans were disappointed over the incident and said that he deserved better treatment being a senior player.
Shoaib Akhtar and Rashid Latif also expressed their outrage over the matter.
“I didn’t like the visual. If you want to make an example out of a boy from Karachi, then it is wrong. You can’t do this to a player who has led Pakistan for four years and has won Champions Trophy for the country. You have made him carry the shoes. If he has done it himself, then stop him. Wasim Akram never brought shoes for me,” Akhtar is reported to have said.
“This shows that Sarfaraz is such a docile and weak man. He must have lead Pakistan in the same way as he carried the shoes. That’s why Mickey Arthur always dominated him. I am not saying carrying the shoes is a problem, but former captain can’t do that,” he added.
“Senior players like Amir and Wahab who are also sitting out, are not even in their kits. They are wearing track suits. This is not team spirit, but this greatness of Sarfaraz because he is passionate about the game. This should not have happened,” said Rashid Latif.
However, others lauded Sarfaraz for his team spirit.
Others shared pictures of other cricketers carrying water bottles and said that it was not a big deal.
Misbah ul Haq while addressing the matter said: “Discussions like this can only happen in Pakistan. I also performed the duties of a 12th man, when I was captain and was sitting out in a match against Australia. There is no shame in doing that.
He added: “Sarfaraz is a wonderful human being and player. He knows that it is a team game. When other players are practicising outside, so the player who is available has to help out. It is not a matter of disrespect. In fact, it is big of Sarfaraz that he doesn’t mind doing it. Plus, it is a sign of a good team. I don’t think it’s a big deal,” he added.
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Meanwhile, Shaan is being lauded for his outstanding performance in yesterday’s match. According to details, Masood is the first Pakistani opener to score a century in England in this century (21st century).
