Moin Khan criticises decision to strip Sarfraz Ahmed of T20 captaincy

The move represents the first major move made by Misbah-ul-Haq since the former batsman was announced as head coach and chief selector of the national side

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper and captain Moin Khan has criticised the decision to strip Sarfraz Ahmed of the national team captaincy.

Azhar Ali will take over the running of the red-ball team, while Babar Azam will lead the side in the international game’s shortest format.

A decision on the sides’ vice-captaincy will be made in due course, while a new ODI skipper will be announced nearer the time of Pakistan’s series against the Netherlands in July.

Sarfraz has also been dropped from both squads as a result of his struggles with the bat in recent times.

The move represents the first major move made by Misbah-ul-Haq since the former batsman was announced as head coach and chief selector of the national side, with Waqae Younis appointed as bowling coach.

Moin, however, who also held the role of head coach between 2013 and 2015, was quoted by Pakistanis channel ARY News as saying: “Misbah and Waqar never liked Sarfraz. I am shocked that the PCB has removed Sarfaraz from captaincy in T20I cricket.

“He has led Pakistan to 11 consecutive T20I series wins and you can’t remove him due to few poor performances.”

He added that the appointment of Misbah was a risk, given the dual role he has taken on – both selecting and coaching the team.

He warned: “I think making a single person too powerful won’t work for Pakistan’s cricket.”

Meanwhile, Younis and Misbah have hosted a weekend training camp for the 15 top-performing bowlers in Pakistan’s Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, with Mohammad Abbas and Shaheen Afridi among those present at the two-day event at the Gaddafi Stadium.