Afridi, Waqar face flak for resting Sarfaraz

Pakistan’s T20 captain, Shahid Afridi and head coach Waqar Younis have come under fire after deciding to “rest” wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed from the first T20 international against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

Pakistan’s former captains and keepers, Rashid Latif and Moin Khan both termed the decision to sideline Sarfaraz as a grave injustice. “I don’t know what is going on because I don’t see any cricketing logic behind not playing Sarfaraz. If the Pakistan captain and team management have 

some plan behind this decision it is best they share it publicly,” Latif said.

But the former captain made it clear whatever the reason for not playing Sarfaraz, the plucky player would still make a strong comeback whenever he got the chance. “He is doing the right thing by keeping quiet and replying only with his performances. But this is a grave injustice being done to him and it is not good for Pakistan cricket,” Latif said.

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 29 runs in the T20 match last night.

Latif said he had spoken to former teammate Waqar Younis on a number of occasions since he became coach last year. “I get the impression he is hesitant and uncertain about certain things.