Shoaib Malik backs Sarfraz to lead Pakistan at 2019 World Cup

Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik believes that Sarfraz Ahmed has done an excellent job as captain and should lead the national team during the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales.

Sarfraz was in charge when Pakistan secured their first-ever Champions Trophy title in June last year.

However, during their recent tour of New Zealand, Pakistan were whitewashed 5-0 in the ODI series before bouncing back and winning the Twenty20 series 2-1, which saw them rise to the summit of the Twenty20 rankings.

While some people have criticised Sarfraz for being overly aggressive as captain, Malik defended the 30-year-old.

Malik, who has so far represented Pakistan in 35 Tests, 261 ODIs and 92 Twenty20 Internationals, said he retired from Test cricket two years ago to prolong his career in limited overs cricket and wanted to concentrate on the shorter formats.

However, he said, he was looking forward to play his last World Cup in England. “I want to represent Pakistan in the World Cup before ending my career,” the 36-year-old Malik said.