KARACHI: Legendary former Pakistan Cricketer, Zaheer Abbas believes Test captaincy is an “extra burden” of Sarfraz Ahmed and he should be relieved of the responsibility in red-ball cricket.
“Test match is a demanding format where Pakistan isn’t doing well lately. In my opinion, Pakistan Test captaincy needs a change of hands”, Zaheer Abbas opined while talking to this correspondent.
“I have already advised Sarfraz to step down from Test captaincy as he has been doing fine in limited-overs. I can only advise as the decision lies with the PCB of course”, the “Asian Bradman” added.
The 78-Test veteran also sounded dissatisfied with the new domestic structure of six teams, adding that a lot of cricketers would lose jobs.
“Departmental cricket should not have been discontinued. It provided bread and butter to a lot of cricketers. Even Imran Khan applied for a job in the departmental cricket team of Dawood Industries during his early playing days”, Zaheer Abbas recalled.
“There is a huge difference between Australia and Pakistan in terms of population, therefore, I do not understand the logic of replicating their 6-team system”, Zaheer added.
The stylish right-handed batsman, while appreciating Misbah-ul-Haq’s appointment as head coach, further emphasized that the senior team’s coaching staff should consist of local former cricketers.
“There should be some incentive for cricketers after their retirement and PCB must encourage local players in this regard”, Zaheer concluded.