Always believed in leading by example, says Sarfraz

29-year-old will captain for first time in UAE in upcoming series against West Indies

Pakistan T20I captain Sarfraz Ahmed believes that the upcoming three-match T20I series against West Indies in the UAE will be an ideal opportunity to build his side for tours ahead.

While talking to the press, the wicketkeeper-batsman said that reigning T20I champions have got some really good players even in the absence of explosive opener Chris Gayle and all-rounder Andre Russell. “The West Indies series is good for us because we need to face tough competition while rebuilding the team,” said Sarfraz. “They have some really good specialist players in this format and we know what they are capable of. It will not be an easy series for us.”

The 29-year-old expressed his delight that the series against the Caribbean giants consists of three matches, which, according to him, will give the team management an opportunity to try different combinations. “It is good we are playing three T20Is against the world champions,” he said. “It will give us the opportunity to try out different combinations and give more exposure to the younger players.”

The Karachi-born wicketkeeper further said that captaincy at different levels was a big learning curve for him, and that he is always willing to lead from the front. “I have captained the Pakistan U19 side in the youth World Cup, and I have also captained Karachi and PIA teams regularly in domestic cricket,” he added. “My experience of leading the Quetta Gladiators team in the inaugural edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) in the presence of some big names was a big learning curve for me.

“My job is to lift the players, assign them a role and push them to meet that target. On a personal level obviously, I have always believed in leading by example.”

Sarfraz also heaped praise on Test captain Misbahul Haq, and revealed that he has learnt a lot from the 42-year-old. “Misbah has been one of our finest captains and I have learnt a lot by watching him do his job,” added Sarfraz. “Even in pressure situations, he is a calm, clever and a composed leader, and that’s why he has the respect of his players and I want to follow in his footsteps as well.”

The article originally appeared on SportsKeeda.