A tense altercation emerged between Pakistan cricketers Sarfaraz Ahmed and Saud Shakeel during a training session ahead of the Australia series, complicating matters for the new management.
Amidst Pakistan cricket’s transition phase, a viral video spotlighted a heated exchange between Sarfaraz Ahmed and Saud Shakeel during a training session, adding pressure on the new management led by Shan Masood in Test cricket. The team witnessed restructuring after a disappointing ODI World Cup, with Babar Azam stepping down from captaincy across formats. Subsequently, changes saw the departure of Team Director Mickey Arthur and Head Coach Grant Bradburn, with Mohammad Hafeez assuming both roles.
The latest video of Sarfaraz and Shakeel’s altercation poses a challenge for the new leadership ahead of the crucial Test series. In the video, Shakeel expressed frustration, questioning his role, while Sarfaraz defended himself, denying any directive for a swap.
“How much longer will I remain beneficial to you?” Shakeel was heard saying.
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“You won’t be of any use to me. Let me clarify, I never gave you any instructions or asked for a swap; I swapped with the person I had in mind,” replied Sarfaraz.
“You still made the swap, so I was beneficial to you,” Shakeel countered.
Before heading to Australia for the three-match Test series, Sarfaraz and Shakeel also encountered a minor incident during Pakistan’s intra-squad session. Sarfaraz appealed for a timed-out dismissal as Shakeel arrived late but eventually, the matter was brushed aside.
Pakistan’s historical struggle in Australia spans 14 consecutive Test losses, with their last victory dated back to 1995. The series kicks off in Perth (December 14-18), followed by matches in Melbourne (26-30) and Sydney (January 3-7).
Last Updated on December 6, 2023
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