Beyond his cricket, Sarfaraz Ahmed is a good singer. Those who have listened to his rendition of bahaaron phool barsaao would attest. It might still be available on YouTube.
Then, there’s the small matter of Sarfaraz being a Champions Trophy-winning captain. Pakistan had beaten India in the 2017 Champions Trophy final at The Oval under his leadership. As the tournament has returned after an eight-year hiatus, the 37-year-old is working in a different capacity – an ambassador of the ongoing event.
On Sunday, as India and Pakistan played at the Dubai International Stadium, Sarfaraz met a select group of reporters on the sidelines. From Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to Jasprit Bumrah, Babar Azam and India-Pakistan bilateral series – a lot of issues were touched upon.
The retirement talk of Rohit and Kohli have been en vogue among fans of late, especially on social media. Sarfaraz shot them down. “People shouldn’t talk even,” he said. “Look at their contributions for India. The runs Virat has scored – he has won India matches from impossible situations. The same is true for Rohit, the way he has been carrying the team. His captaincy was outstanding at the 2023 World Cup. Then, he guided India to the T20 World Cup triumph. It’s for Rohit and Virat to decide when they will call time on their careers.”
Before the start of the match, Bumrah walked into the ground in a casual half-sleeve shirt. Not watching him in the Team India kit was certainly a big relief for Pakistan. Wherever he goes, Bumrah evokes admiration, cutting across geographic boundaries. Sarfaraz, too, tipped his hat to the master.
“He (Bumrah) is an outstanding bowler, the best in the world across formats,” said Sarfaraz. “The way he bowled at the 2023 World Cup… At the T20 World Cup, his two overs at the death in the final against South Africa won India the cup. Cricket has seen very few bowlers like Bumrah.”
Coming to Babar, who will face further scrutiny after his 26-ball 23 against India, Sarfaraz said: “They (Pakistan team management) need to build the team around Babar, so that he can play the full 50 overs.”
The Champions Trophy being played in a hybrid model had to be the staple question during the interaction. It arrived in due course. Sarfaraz spoke about how Indian cricketers are “loved and respected” in Pakistan, hoping that bilateral cricket ties between the two neighbours would resume in the future.
The former Pakistan captain also admitted that hosting an ICC event after a gap of 29 years was a “massive moment” for his country.