The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that Sarfraz Ahmad will continue as Pakistan captain at the World Cup 2019 to be held in England in June-July despite serving a four-match suspension for breaching the ICC anti-racism code in South Africa. Addressing a press conference here Tuesday, PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani announced that Sarfraz would remain Pakistan captain until the World Cup as the PCB was always clear that Sarfraz would be the captain. “He will remain so until any other decision is taken. Sarfraz’s performance as captain will be evaluated only after the World Cup,” added Mani. Sarfraz was suspended for four matches by the International Cricket Council (ICC) when an on-field taunt aimed at South Africa’s Andile Phehlukwayo was caught by stump microphones. Sarfraz admitted the offence and apoligised for his conduct. The PCB and many former cricketers, including former Test skipper Wasim Akram, had rallied in support of Sarfraz, saying they were disappointed by the ICC’s decision to suspend him after the matter had been resolved. And yesterday Mani backed him to lead the team. “Sarfraz has been an integral part of the Pakistan’s World Cup preparations. He has proved to be a good strategist, leader and performer. He led Pakistan to ICC Champions Trophy 2017 title as well as to top of the International Cricket Council’s Twenty20 International Rankings. Sarfraz has reiterated his commitment to the Pakistan cricket team as well as his availability and enthusiasm to captain the team at the World Cup.” Mani said that from day one he stated that Sarfraz was Pakistan’s captain and I stood by what I said before. “We do analyse his performances but that does not mean that we were thinking of replacing him at any time. Sarfraz is the captain on merit.” Mani, formerly the ICC chairman, recalled Sarfraz’s captaincy during the Under-19 World Cup in 2006. “I first met Sarfraz 13 years ago during ICC Under-19 World Cup in Colombo and his leadership quality was great,” he maintained. Speaking about PCB’s policy to appoint the captain on series-to-series basis, Mani said this practice was followed all over the world. “I don’t agree with this to appoint a captain for long-term tenure,” he said. “No board in the world gives its captain any specific tenure to lead the side as it purely depends on performances.” Sarfraz has been captaining the Men in Green in the 50-over format since Azhar Ali stepped down from the role after series of disappointing results in 2017. “I am confident he will continue the good work with Mickey Arthur and Inzamamul Haq so that the team is in the best possible shape and form to produce strong performances at the World Cup,” Mani concluded. The 31-year-old wicketkeeper was thankful for the PCB’s support. “The past few weeks have been extremely difficult for me as a person and professional, but I am delighted that the PCB has reassured its confidence and faith in me,” Sarfraz said. “In the lead up to the World Cup, Pakistan will play five ODIs each against Australia and England, which will also allow us the opportunity to further fine-tune our preparations. I feel proud to be joining the list of cricketers that led the Pakistan cricket team into World Cups in the past. We will try our best to perform well there,” he stated. Pakistan, who last won the World Cup in 1992, will begin their campaign against West Indies at Trent Bridge on May 31. The final of the 50-over tournament is scheduled for Sunday July 14. Since making his debut against India in Jaipur in November 2007, Sarfraz, 31, has played in 101 One-Day Internationals, including 35 as captain. He has scored 1,942 runs at just under 33 and has dismissed 121 batsmen behind the wickets. As captain, he has won 21 matches. Sarfraz played three matches in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, finishing with 160 runs as an opener. He also caught six batsmen at the wicket. Published in Daily Times, February 6th 2019.