[Pictures and Videos] Sarfaraz Ahmed's behaviour as captain

[Saj]

He's going over the top with his antics.

I'm all for aggression and pushing his team but at times he's become like a schoolteacher with young children.

The language, the body language, the finger pointing - what's all that about. It's too much at times and could backfire with colleagues.

[Hasan123]

Needs to relax with the emotion s and stuff but other than he's a step up from Azhar and Misbah.

[JibranAnsari]

Yah way too dicatorial it seems.

[Chief Destroyer]

I don't see a problem tbh. He's only encouraging them because he backs them to bowl better.

[ExpressPacer]

Some may not like it but this will elevate his position as a father figure and also bring in good results because players will be scared to do bad. I like this.

[Yaasir]

I don't mind it. We have tried the timid behavior of Azhar Ali and that got us absolutely no where. Pakistani players and people only do their job properly when someone has a 'danda' over them at all times.

[gazza619]

Bishop just said it on commentary. Sarfaraz is being very disrespectful towards all the players, i can see very soon the players would refuse to play under him. It is also becoming very frustrating viewing on TV.

[Hawkeye]

First "India is afraid of us"..

And then on the field running after the bowlers after every delivery.

Looks like he's doing it for the media, and his imaginary "image" as "aggressive captain".

LOOK, all the captains speak to their players on field. Even the most 'aggressive' ones do their work.

But they're NOT disrespectful, act like school kids, and shout after each delivery, with immature antics.

Even getting called out by Ian Bishop / commentators .

[in_cutter]

He is laying down the gaunlet. It's fine but I would like to see him do the same to certain seniors.

[khalil1986]

Don't mind it at all

[khalil1986]

Sure he went ape on Kami a couple days ago and than seen Kami mouthing off.

[Rayyman]

I love it.
An absolute lionheart out there.

[SarfiBabarHaris]

He has done similar captaincy in domestics. It is well known in domestics here that Sarfraz keeps in check even the egos like Ahmed Shehzad.

[NauV]

I agree. He's over doing it a bit . . Just needs to stay calm . . last game, he clearly lost the plot . . the West Indian commentators were talking about it too this game.

He'll learn. Still very new.

[JibranAnsari]

Say all he wants in dressing room , players dont like gettinh insulted in front of a lot of people.

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Rameez being overcritical. Even criticizing when he is speaking normally.
Sarfraz doesnt have a "dheema lehja". Nothing wrong in that.

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Not good for Pakistan in the long run.

[phoenix363]

Everyone needs to relax.

He will settle down and improve. If anything I'm enjoying the passion and urgency after the Misbah and Azhar era for our limited overs team.

Give him a few series, and see how he settles into the role. I think tactically he has been an improvement and is taking a very proactive approach to the captaincy.

[wasimjunior]

I'm sorry but these players deserve and need such treatment.

Anyone observe how bad our fielding was last game?

They need to know if they drop the ball they will be screamed at.

[bleaf27]

You do not need to run around like headless chicken to command respect - Dhoni , Ponting , Vettori
Sarfaraz needs to be a lot more calm - he's making Virat look composed. Need to calm down and show a bit more calm behaviour - players panic in tense situations anyways - don't need to add to that.

[SarfiBabarHaris]

If you read recent interview of Asad Shafiq, Hassaan Khan and some past interviews of players who played under him, they all applauded his captaincy and fighting spirit.

Sarfraz is know to appreciate his players a lot.

I guess some people dont like his voice and he can do nothing about it. As he is a keeper so they are hearing everything he says.

[Hamza_]

It's alright for being aggressive in decision making.

But this is bad stuff, You need to let your bowlers think themselves, They have a brain and you should encourage them to out think the batsman rather than dictating them how to bowl, Certainly they are professional as well.

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

The real test will come when he is going to face stronger teams like Aus, South Africa in ODI's. There will be moments when opposition will have upper hand over Pakistan this is where he will lose his temper and one of the players might get hurt. Guys like Dhoni, Ponting, Graeme Smith, Jayawardene never did that.

[Slog]

It's alright for being aggressive in decision making.

But this is bad stuff, You need to let your bowlers think themselves, They have a brain and you should encourage them to out think the batsman rather than dictating them how to bowl, Certainly they are professional as well.

By almost all accounts and evidence our bowlers are brainless clowns who cannot think

[Asif321]

still new i think will learn ....

[godzilla]

its maybe a bit over the top, but I think its fine and the benefits in it far outweigh the problems. its good to see the passion and fight, and I'm sure (I know) he fights for his players just as hard. this is the kind of stuff if played right creates a team ethic.

[Markhor]

First "India is afraid of us"..

And then on the field running after the bowlers after every delivery.

Looks like he's doing it for the media, and his imaginary "image" as "aggressive captain".

LOOK, all the captains speak to their players on field. Even the most 'aggressive' ones do their work.

But they're NOT disrespectful, act like school kids, and shout after each delivery, with immature antics.

Even getting called out by Ian Bishop / commentators .

Yes he should do what Kami does when he sees a teammate mess up by baring his teeth, look up to the heavens with that trademark gormless look on his face, and repeat.

Sarfraz has been captaining domestic and U19 teams, as well as the T20 team. This is his style of leadership liie Misbah's style was more calm and reserved.

You guys should've seen the likes of Wasim and Waqar curse out every generation of a fielder's family member after a drop catch - this is mild and tame stuff in comparison. As long as it doesn't go overboard its fine.

[Markhor]

I'm sorry but these players deserve and need such treatment.

Anyone observe how bad our fielding was last game?

They need to know if they drop the ball they will be screamed at.

Exactly, our players need to be kept on their toes. We Pakistan fans overanalyse things to an insane degree.

[phoenix363]

By almost all accounts and evidence our bowlers are brainless clowns who cannot think

The more I watch them, the more I seem to think this is the case.

In terms of Shadab, it was no secret that he was overbowling his googly relying far too much on it. That was never going to work in the long term. I think Sarfaraz encouraging him to bowl more conventional leg spins has resulted in him bowler much better as the series has gone on. (Yes he got more wickets at the beginning but that was more due to the novelty factor and West Indies trying to smash him).

[Hawkeye]

@Markhor - there's a huge difference between swearing for a drop catch, vs. swearing and shouting at your players after EVERY delivery.

The ppers seem to think McCullum was the most aggressive captain of this era. Remind me when did he act like a school kid like this on the pitch?

You said "doesn't go overboard". But it already is what he's doing on the field. That's why everyone is pointing it out - Bishop, Rameez, OP.

It has turned into "micromanagement" - which is really bad in every sort of job.

Maybe he'll tone it down a bit, because he has to.

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Yes he should do what Kami does when he sees a teammate mess up by baring his teeth, look up to the heavens with that trademark gormless look on his face, and repeat.

Sarfraz has been captaining domestic and U19 teams, as well as the T20 team. This is his style of leadership liie Misbah's style was more calm and reserved.

You guys should've seen the likes of Wasim and Waqar curse out every generation of a fielder's family member after a drop catch - this is mild and tame stuff in comparison. As long as it doesn't go overboard its fine.

Agree with wasim and waqar part. I have seen wasim scolding young saqlain quite a few times.

[Hamza_]

By almost all accounts and evidence our bowlers are brainless clowns who cannot think

There are smart ones like Shadab and Hassan Ali.

Even Mohammad Aamir has decent mind however his line and control is a bit down.

[Saj]

Only seems to behave ridiculously with certain players.

When some players do poor fielding or drop a catch or don't attempt a catch he doesn't say anything.

[Markhor]

@Markhor - there's a huge difference between swearing for a drop catch, vs. swearing and shouting at your players after EVERY delivery.

The ppers seem to think McCullum was the most aggressive captain of this era. Remind me when did he act like a school kid like this on the pitch?

You said "doesn't go overboard". But it already is what he's doing on the field. That's why everyone is pointing it out - Bishop, Rameez, OP.

It has turned into "micromanagement" - which is really bad in every sort of job.

Maybe he'll tone it down a bit, because he has to.

Let's keep things in perspective. This Pakistan conceded 444 last year in England. We got whipped in Australia. We failed to defend 308 vs a 9th ranked West Indies team in the last match.

We may even have to qualify for the next World Cup which would embarassing for a cricketing nation of our standing.

Our bowling average between the 2015 World Cup and the start of Mickey Arthur's tenure was the SECOND worst in the world and that's including Associates ! Barely better than the mighty UAE.

Frankly, we need a skipper who whips this underperforming, underachieving attack onto shape and if that means a bit of lip every over then so be it. I'm sick of this mediocrity and its heartening to see a captain who actually gives a damn.

[Hamza_]

Only seems to behave ridiculously with certain players.

When some players do poor fielding or drop a catch or don't attempt a catch he doesn't say anything.

Certainly seniors are forgiven from him.

Not good at all.

[Saj]

Certainly seniors are forgiven from him.

Not good at all.

Exactly.

Hafeez didn't go for a catch that he should have. Sarfraz stood there and just smiled.

Other such examples are there also.

[Hawkeye]

Let's keep things in perspective. This Pakistan conceded 444 last year in England. We got whipped in Australia. We failed to defend 308 vs a 9th ranked West Indies team in the last match.

We may even have to qualify for the next World Cup which would embarassing for a cricketing nation of our standing.

Our bowling average between the 2015 World Cup and the start of Mickey Arthur's tenure was the SECOND worst in the world and that's including Associates ! Barely better than the mighty UAE.

Frankly, we need a skipper who whips this underperforming, underachieving attack onto shape and if that means a bit of lip every over then so be it. I'm sick of this mediocrity and its heartening to see a captain who actually gives a damn.

I think you're falling for these antics, which in all fairness are not going to improve the on-field performance.

WI were 96/6. They're 200 for 8 now.

How do you think that happened? You seem to think shouting after every delivery means performance will be improved and fielders/bowlers will be more effective.

It's the opposite that has happened here. And, like you want our performances to be improved, I want the same.

But, what he's doing, will have an opposite effect on team output.

It's good to be active on the field. But there's a difference in going overboard vs. keeping it optimal to maximize player performance.

[thelandofthebravepeople]

I pointed this out after last game against WI. Very annoying. I don't like a Captain showing his dissapointment at players on the field. Take it in the dressing room.

[waleed88]

Not the most educated that's for sure...

I warned alot of people here be careful for they wish for... Sarfaraz also has some baggage like Azhar Ali did..

He was mellow and quiet, people didn't like it..

Sarfaraz is the complete opposite of Azhar

[90MPH]

I don't mind aggression but it has to be controlled and used at the right times.

I'm sorry but Sarfraz body language is horrible at times - I mean looking down with so much frustration can drag down other players. You are the captain, you should set the tone.

Once the match is over then sure you can give the hairdryer treatment to certain players but on the field you can't berate them constantly. Eventually you will hit their confidence and will affect the team.

It's still early days so hopefully he will learn to be calmer in tense situations.

[in_cutter]

Only seems to behave ridiculously with certain players.

When some players do poor fielding or drop a catch or don't attempt a catch he doesn't say anything.

Afraid of seniors??

[90MPH]

I pointed this out after last game against WI. Very annoying. I don't like a Captain showing his dissapointment at players on the field. Take it in the dressing room.

Exactly.

This is my personal experience playing club cricket for a long time. It rarely works to keep barking and berating your players on the field. It will eventually mean groups forming who will want to kick the captain
Out once the team goes on a losing run.

[waqar goraya]

Live update after 44th over;

Amir wanting to leave because of shoulder pain but Sarfraz wants one more over from him.

[Hawkeye]

Live update after 44th over;

Amir wanting to leave because of shoulder pain but Sarfraz wants one more over from him.

Yep. Very risky for Amir.

What captain would ask his main strike bowler to bowl more when he says his shoulder is shot

Tests still remaining!

[waqar goraya]

There is no point of yelling and he does that way too much. It makes him look nervous, makes other players uncomfortable and it could damage the team spirit too.

[Syed1]

Live update after 44th over;

Amir wanting to leave because of shoulder pain but Sarfraz wants one more over from him.

Amir informed Sarf that his shoulder is hurting, at that point one ball was left in the over and Sarf said "aek aur karde" meaning bowl the last bowl and go off.

[SarfiBabarHaris]

I have followed Sarfraz's captaincy career from his u-19 wc and I didnt come across even one incident where his teammates were not happy from him.

Yes, there are some concerns like he is too respectful for the seniors which is fine in life but not when you are captain of a cricket team but there is some over reaction especially Rameez who didnt like Sarfraz for appealing as he thought its too loud :p ..

Whenever Rameez was out from commentary things seem to tone down. Whats wrong when Sarfraz saying simple Urdu "Beta peechay chala ja .. etc ". These are common things we say in Urdu to our teammates.

[Hawkeye]

Amir informed Sarf that his shoulder is hurting, at that point one ball was left in the over and Sarf said "aek aur karde" meaning bowl the last bowl and go off.

That's what's being pointed out genius!

He asked to not bowl as his shoulder is shot. Yet Sarf forced him to bowl one more - that could've taken Amir our for a good few months if something really happened on that delivery.

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Amir informed Sarf that his shoulder is hurting, at that point one ball was left in the over and Sarf said "aek aur karde" meaning bowl the last bowl and go off.

Over reaction. I am really getting a feeling that some people even dont understand proper Urdu as well. including Rameez Raja. Sorry.

[phoenix363]

That's what's being pointed out genius!

He asked to not bowl as his shoulder is shot. Yet Sarf forced him to bowl one more - that could've taken Amir our for a good few months if something really happened on that delivery.

Perhaps, but the injury happened quite a bit before and he had bowled a fair number of deliveries since.

At that point, the match was not won so Sarfaraz simply asked him to bowl one more after bowling so much rather than having to bring someone else on to complete the over.

[Syed1]

Over reaction. I am really getting a feeling that some people even dont understand proper Urdu as well. including Rameez Raja. Sorry.

I think folks like Hawkeye should come out and say openly that they hate the fact that Sarfaraz is captain and they will nitpick every small thing.

[zayn]

Sarfraz is captain and that's what people wanted on this forum if I recall correctly. These boys are professionals, and should be able to handle a bit of a telling off.

Found rameez highly irritating today, repeatedly made the same point. If this is what he's like a few matches into sarfraz's captaincy then I dread to hear him when Pakistan are really up against it.

[MRSN]

Sarfraz is overdoing imo. He just can't back this with his own performance he should not forget that. Just needs to be cool and calm when he enters the ground.

[waqar goraya]

Amir informed Sarf that his shoulder is hurting, at that point one ball was left in the over and Sarf said "aek aur karde" meaning bowl the last bowl and go off.

And Amir did not go off after that over because of Sarfraz's request.

Both things happened. What you are saying is right. But after that delivery and over Sarfraz requested him to bowl one over more.

If some one has recording then you will be able to hear it.

[waqar goraya]

Perhaps, but the injury happened quite a bit before and he had bowled a fair number of deliveries since.

At that point, the match was not won so Sarfaraz simply asked him to bowl one more after bowling so much rather than having to bring someone else on to complete the over.

And you are saying it was a wise move to bowl a lot of deliveries despite being in quite visible pain.

[ChachaPakistani]

He's fine.

Its good to have someone who's actually vocal and supportive of his players on the field. Azhar would never be seen even giving the slightest iota of encouragement or vocal support to boost the morale of his players. That encouragement keeps things lively.

Of course Sarfaraz will need to temper it more to prevent it from becoming too much of a good thing. You need some balance, but overall its actually something nice to hear every now and then. And if you have that advantage of communicating with your teammates in a language the opposition cannot understand, why not?

[Seen Sheen]

I remember making a similar post as OP back when we first saw his captaincy glimpse against England in the T20i. A lot of posters brushed off my criticism of his bossy attitude by saying that this was what Pakistan needed, that they had been crying out loud for this sort of aggression, passion etc. Good to see that more posters have realised that a captain isn't supposed to be a bullying figure on the field. Shaking his head after every little mishap, shouting, gesturing violently; this sort of behavior only puts the teammates under unnecessary pressure and is not very conducive for general camaraderie on and off the field.

Nobody is saying that he should overlook slackness and lethargy but there is a milder manner of addressing that. Sit with the players after the game and make them understand that you want agility and passionate performance in general from them on the field.

I am afraid this is just the glimpse; we'll probably even witness some real castigation from him in the future. I dearly hope that's not the case though and he starts improving and controlling his behavior.

[Speedster777]

I don't mind him showing emotions at all he's an aggressive captain and one of the bets batsmen we have. With time he'll get better.

[Speedster777]

Our players have "dheet chamri" if you do not give it back to them on their face they take advantage.

[New Yorker]

It's alright for being aggressive in decision making.

But this is bad stuff, You need to let your bowlers think themselves, They have a brain and you should encourage them to out think the batsman rather than dictating them how to bowl, Certainly they are professional as well.

A. No, quite a few of the bowlers are brainless and undisciplined. And almost everyone benefits from thinking with others.

B. How detailed were his directions? I only watched part of the game live. Nothing wrong with telling the bowler 'two balls left,' 'good bowling' etc...

C. Imran was before my time, but if I recall he was an absolute tyrant? And Wasim always like to recall how Imran was always in his ear telling him what to bowl, ball by ball.

[New Yorker]

Yep. Very risky for Amir.

What captain would ask his main strike bowler to bowl more when he says his shoulder is shot

Tests still remaining!

I don't think Amir is Sarfy's main strike bowler anymore

[Mamoon]

I enjoy this, after 7 years of witnessing Misbah and Azhar standing like statues.

[Boi]

The last time a captain showed the danda attitude to the players we won the World T20.

The same people here back then would cry and complain about YK being too harsh on the players and even stupid stuff like him not smiling.

Hopefully there aren't no groupings this time around :kami

[Haz95]

It's a good approach and is nice to see discipline. Only problem is he shouldn't fraggle it in front of seniors, especially if they're dipsticks like KAkmal. It will get rid of this seniority culture too showing that no one is above the team.

[dildildalwalla]

He's going over the top with his antics.

I'm all for aggression and pushing his team but at times he's become like a schoolteacher with young children.

The language, the body language, the finger pointing - what's all that about. It's too much at times and could backfire with colleagues.

I said all this about Sarfraz long time gao. He is to immature to be captain in all honesty and his own personal performances are mediocre at best.

I'm willing to give him a chance and I hope he learns to behave well and conduct himself like a professional sooner rather than later.

[phoenix363]

And you are saying it was a wise move to bowl a lot of deliveries despite being in quite visible pain.

Amir made that decision himself. Sarfaraz only asked for the one extra delivery, which for the sake of the team, Amir rightly did.

Akin to an injured batsman coming out to save a match. It happens, despite the risk of making an injury worse.

[phoenix363]

I remember making a similar post as OP back when we first saw his captaincy glimpse against England in the T20i. A lot of posters brushed off my criticism of his bossy attitude by saying that this was what Pakistan needed, that they had been crying out loud for this sort of aggression, passion etc. Good to see that more posters have realised that a captain isn't supposed to be a bullying figure on the field. Shaking his head after every little mishap, shouting, gesturing violently; this sort of behavior only puts the teammates under unnecessary pressure and is not very conducive for general camaraderie on and off the field.

Nobody is saying that he should overlook slackness and lethargy but there is a milder manner of addressing that. Sit with the players after the game and make them understand that you want agility and passionate performance in general from them on the field.

I am afraid this is just the glimpse; we'll probably even witness some real castigation from him in the future. I dearly hope that's not the case though and he starts improving and controlling his behavior.

You clearly do not understand Pakistan cricket if you believe the solution is to sit with the players after the game and try to make them understand.

These guys prep and prep before matches but their brains seem to freeze when out in he middle. Sarfaraz needs to control his frustrations, but if his barking orders is making the players more attentative and conscious of their movements then I'm all for it.

[srh]

I am ok with whichever captaincy style Sarfraz employ as long as he is producing results and his style is same for everyone

[superman]

Well its a huge step up from afridi misbah and azhar. Thank god we have him and people complaining its shows he cares so what of he does it on the pitch, have you guys forgotten the matches lost by our previous captains

[Eagle_Eye]

Growing tired of sarfraz, looks fat and immobile, his keeping is below par hasn't done anything of note with the bat for some time...... and on top displays very immature antics as captain..

[phoenix363]

Growing tired of sarfraz, looks fat and immobile, his keeping is below par hasn't done anything of note with the bat for some time...... and on top displays very immature antics as captain..

You're welcome to watch clips of Misbah as LO captain and our other amazing keepers over the past decade.

[Eagle_Eye]

You're welcome to watch clips of Misbah as LO captain and our other amazing keepers over the past decade.

Behaving like a chimp on steroids is not a sign of being an aggressive captain. It's a sign of someone who has no control.

Aggressive captain is someone who can think on their feet and take a gamble with positive tactics be it bat, ball or with field placements.

A great captain will do all the above and if need be use negative tactics to get the job done.

I think Sarfraz is fast reaching the end of his usefulness in the team, if your keeping is at par with kakmal and your not producing with the bat.... what is his worth in the team?... the team foghorn?

[cricketInsight]

This type of behavior cannot be kept up for long or the players won't like to play under him. I am ok if this happens for a high pressure game or a series here and there. He should respect them as players.

All of you who like this are typical armchair critics who are not looking for a sport but a soap opera. Would you like your boss to behave this way for you? Would this enable you to perform well consistently at your workplace?

You dont set standards by yelling - you do it by holding them accountable for their performance.

[cricketInsight]

Behaving like a chimp on steroids is not a sign of being an aggressive captain. It's a sign of someone who has no control.

Aggressive captain is someone who can think on their feet and take a gamble with positive tactics be it bat, ball or with field placements.

A great captain will do all the above and if need be use negative tactics to get the job done.

Absolutely, in Pakistan only the one who yells loudest looks more like a leader.

[moghul]

He's going over the top with his antics.

I'm all for aggression and pushing his team but at times he's become like a schoolteacher with young children.

The language, the body language, the finger pointing - what's all that about. It's too much at times and could backfire with colleagues.

Agree and I don;t like him calling Shadab " beta ", its just not professional.

[aliasad1998]

I think he's been absolutely fine. Maybe needs to keep his composure a bit more

[shane]

That's interesting that Ian Bishop pointed this out. Sarfraz has always been hyper, I do not think he can control it. I would not even be surprised if it is some nervous medical condition.

[silent ischemia]

That's interesting that Ian Bishop pointed this out. Sarfraz has always been hyper, I do not think he can control it. I would not even be surprised if it is some nervous medical condition.

Well we all knew it. The guy is similar to his mentor Moin Khan so a lot of similarities. He will continue to talk, shout etc.

[Square Drive]

You thankless fans deserve nothing more than Misbah/Azhar.

Sarfraz is the hero we need but don't deserve.

Agree that he needs to maybe tone it down slightly but I for one am enjoying this. He is very involved in the game and wants to bring the best out of everyone - nothing wrong with that.

[Sports_Psychologist]

Cummon guys...
Azhar is too defensive and slow..
Sarfaraz is way too aggressive..
Misbah plays a lot of dot balls then hit..
Sarfaraz rotates strike a lot but don't hit..
Malik is finished can only hit spinners..

Pakistanis can never be happy at any condition it's easier to criticize because its easy to just open your mouth and that's what we are good at..

@Saj we all know how we behave!! We don't follow signals, can't drive in a straight line, always giving bribes to traffic police, if paying a bill always try to disrupt the line because no one is stopping us.

As a nation we work better when there's a danda on our heads.. Pakistan's problem has always been lack of interest and passion when they feel they are going to win, but Sarfaraz won't let them rest till we win.. That's what was needed a danda to make these young underachieving ****** who underperform just for fun to fight it out in the field..