Pakistan head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed has said he will take responsibility if the national team fails to perform, while insisting that he remains hopeful of a positive result.
Speaking after Pakistan’s Test match, Sarfaraz also addressed the reported controversy involving the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and a Sky Sports interview with the sons of former Pakistan captain and prime minister Imran Khan.
Sarfaraz said management is naturally criticised when the team fails to produce results, but he remains confident that Pakistan can improve.
“If the team does not perform well, the management is responsible. If the team does not play well, I will take responsibility,” Sarfaraz said.
He added that all players are making their best efforts and that the management is selecting the combination it believes is best under the current circumstances.
Meanwhile, white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has been summoned to England following the team’s poor performance during the Lord’s Test in England. Sources said Hesson is scheduled to leave for London today.
Pakistan facing fast-bowling concerns
The Pakistan head coach acknowledged that the team is currently dealing with a shortage of fast bowlers.
“In the current situation, we do not have fast bowlers,” Sarfaraz said, explaining that the team is therefore going with the combination that appears most suitable.
He said the management will assess the situation carefully and make whatever decisions are required after the series. he also pointed to missed opportunities on the field, saying Pakistan dropped catches at important moments.
“If they had caught them, the situation would have been different,” he said.
Despite the setbacks, the coach said he remains hopeful of a good performance from the team.
Sarfaraz unaware of reported PCB threat over Sky interview
Sarfaraz also said he and the Pakistan players were unaware of a reported PCB threat to withdraw from the Lord’s Test following the broadcast of an interview with Imran Khan’s sons.
The controversy emerged during the lunch break on the first day of the second Test between England and Pakistan. Reports claimed the PCB had warned the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) that Pakistan could cancel the Test and potentially withdraw from the remainder of the three-match tour if Sky Sports aired the interview.
Sky Sports subsequently broadcast a version of the interview featuring Suleiman Khan and Kasim Khan, the sons of former Pakistan captain and prime minister Imran Khan, who has been in prison for the past three years.
Pakistan players returned after lunch
Despite the reported dispute, Pakistan’s players returned to the field after lunch on the opening day and the Test continued as scheduled.
Asked about the incident after the conclusion of play on the second day, Sarfaraz said the reported developments had not reached the dressing room.
“I don’t know anything. I’m just focusing on the match. You’re talking about the interview? We don’t know about the interview,” he told reporters.
The coach was also asked whether there had been any possibility of the Pakistan players refusing to return for the second session on the first day.
“All are OK. We were having lunch at that time,” Sarfaraz replied.
Sarfaraz said the team and management remain focused on producing better results despite the challenges facing the squad. He reiterated that the current team combination has been selected based on the options available, particularly amid the shortage of fast bowlers.
The coach said any necessary changes or decisions regarding the team and management would be considered after the series.
For now, Sarfaraz said, the focus remains on the players’ performance and giving Pakistan the best possible chance of success.
