Javed Miandad urges Pakistan to retain Sarfraz Ahmed as captain despite World Cup tribulations

The PCB are still considering the position of the skipper after the 1992 winners failed to qualify for the semi-finals, missing out on net run-rate

Sarfraz Ahmed is learning on the job as Pakistan skipper and deserves to be retained as the leader across all three formats, according to ex-captain Javad Miandad.

The PCB are considering their options after the team failed to qualify for the semi-finals of the World Cup, finishing fifth in the 10-team group phase on net run-rate behind eventual runners-up New Zealand.

A heavy opening defeat to West Indies put Pakistan on the back-foot and despite winning their final four matches and finish level on points with the Kiwis they were unable to reach the knock-out phase.

Former fast-bowler Shoaib Akhtar has demanded that Sarfraz, who has refused to resign following the tournament, be replaced as skipper and replaced by Babar Azam in Tests and Haris Sohail in the white-ball formats.

But Miandad, a World Cup winner in 1992 and who captained Pakistan 96 times in Tests and ODIs, believes Sarfraz deserves more time to grow into the role.

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"I believe Sarfraz has learnt a lot as captain," he told cricketpakistan.com.pk. "Now when he is fully trained to lead the national side for important future assignments it will not be a wise to change him."

With Pakistan not back in action until November and December when they face Australia in three T20s and two Tests, the PCB have time to make a decision over the future.

Mickey Arthur looks set to stay on as head coach but Miandad would like to see legendary seamer Wasim Akram involved in the coaching set-up in the future and wants to see more influence from other former Pakistan greats.

"Look the world is availing the expertise of Wasim Akram and our other players as they tell their players practically through demonstrations how to remove faults and improve performance," he added. "Their tips are doing wonders. 

"So, if other nations are availing their expertise why can't we ourselves benefit from our former greats cricketers?"