PCB in damage control mode over Sarfraz issue

AUCKLAND: A damage control exercise was initiated by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) less than 24 hours after Waqar Younis walked out of a press conference here at Eden Park.
Pakistan’s coach scoffed at a reporter and then wrapped up a post-match presser just minutes after his team romped to an unlikely World Cup triumph against South Africa in a must-win encounter.
Waqar reacted angrily after being asked whether he had deliberately kept Sarfraz Ahmed – Pakistan’s hero in Saturday night’s game – out of the playing line-up because of a spat with the combative wicketkeeper-batsman.
Sarfraz, who was overlooked for Pakistan’s first four World Cup games by Waqar and the team management smashed a run-a-ball 49 and then equalled the world record for most catches in an ODI in Pakistan’s 29-run win against the Proteas.
It was a made-for-television situation and instantly made headlines back home with many news channels firing salvos at Waqar over his inability to admit his mistake.
There were also reports which suggested that where there’s smoke there’s fire referring to a possible Waqar-Sarfraz spat.
But in a recorded interview provided to ‘The News’ by the PCB here on Sunday, Sarfraz made it clear that there was no friction between him and Waqar
“There is nothing like it,” Sarfraz said. “Even I have heard it now. Waqar bhai is a very senior player who has great performances for Pakistan. Why should I have any problems with Waqar bhai. And even if he tells me something like an elder brother I will never react. He treats us all like his younger brothers.
“I really hope if such controversies are not created because the team is doing well and we don’t need such things.”
But Sarfraz’s recorded interview is a case of too little too late from the PCB.
The damage has already been done as instead of celebrating their firt World Cup win against South Africa, Pakistanis are questioning whether the national team is in safe hands.
The fact that the team management kept ignoring a vastly-talented player like Sarfraz even as the team flopped miserably doesn’t say much about the coaches and other officials.
Sarfraz, meanwhile, sounded blissfully unaware of the storm gathering around him.
“I thank everybody who supported me, encouraged me,” he said in the interview.
“The team management gave me a lot of encouragement. They told me not to take any pressure and play my natural game. Waqar bhai, Mushy bhai, Misbah bhai gave me a lot of encouragement. I also talked to Moin bhai and Rashid bhai and I got a lot of support from them which gave me great confidence.
“My confidence has received a big boost after my performance against a world class team like South Africa. I’ll try to give my best to produce similar showings in the future.”
One of the turning points of the Pool B match was a stunning catch gloved by Sarfraz that helped Pakistan get rid of the inform Hashim Amla.
Sarfraz said that he and the entire team were as ecstatic after dismissing Amla.
“It was a vital catch because Amla seemed to be in destructive form,” said Sarfraz. “The entire team was happy especially because Wahab (Riaz) bowled an exceptionally good delivery.”
Sarfraz said that he was initially sad over his run-out at 49 but “I shrugged it off to completely focus on keeping”.
“I was really disappointed but then I told myself that I have to forget it and think about my next job.”
He took a total of six catches behind the stumps, a joint world record that brings in an elite club that includes legends like Australia’s Adam Gilchrist.
“It is a great honour for me that now my name is being taken alongside legends like Adam Gilchrist,” Sarfraz said.