Sarfaraz Ahmed: From PSL Championship Captain To Quetta Gladiators Team Director
Former wicketkeeper-batsman reflects on his evolution with the franchise in HBL PSL X
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Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has opened up about his remarkable journey with Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), transitioning from a championship-winning captain to his current role as Team Director.
In a recent video shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board’s official Instagram account, Sarfaraz reflected on his and the franchise’s evolution.
Sarfaraz’s Cricket Legacy
Sarfaraz Ahmed has been a prominent figure in Pakistan cricket, having captained the national team across all formats. His leadership reached its pinnacle when he guided Pakistan to the ICC Champions Trophy victory in 2017, defeating arch-rivals India in the final.
The 36-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman has represented Pakistan in 53 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 61 T20Is. Beyond his international career, his contributions to the PSL, particularly with Quetta Gladiators, have cemented his status as one of the league’s most influential personalities.
His transition to Team Director showcases the evolution of his role within cricket, moving from active playing to mentorship and management – a path many successful cricketers take to continue contributing to the sport.
Quetta Gladiators In PSL X
The current PSL season (PSL X) sees Quetta Gladiators operating under a new leadership structure with Sarfaraz in his director role. The team has been a consistent performer in the league’s history, having reached the finals in the first three seasons before finally clinching the title in 2019 under Sarfaraz’s captaincy.
With Sarfaraz now guiding the team from behind the scenes, the Gladiators are looking to recapture their winning form in the ongoing tournament. His intimate knowledge of the team culture and PSL dynamics makes him a valuable asset in the franchise’s management.
Pakistan Cricket’s Recent Developments
While Sarfaraz focuses on his PSL responsibilities, Pakistan cricket continues to evolve on other fronts. The Pakistan women’s team recently showcased an impressive performance in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier, winning all five of their matches and successfully qualifying for the World Cup.
On the men’s side, young talent continues to emerge. Mubasir Khan, who recently celebrated his birthday, has established himself as a promising all-rounder with 1,953 runs and 86 wickets in 40 first-class matches. He was named player of the tournament in consecutive Quaid-e-Azam Trophy editions (2021-22 and 2022-23) and made his T20I debut in the 2023 Asian Games.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has also launched a Talent Hunt Programme for schools and colleges nationwide, aiming to discover and nurture young cricket talent across the country.
As Pakistan cricket continues to develop at all levels, Sarfaraz Ahmed’s transition from player to cricket administrator represents the passing of knowledge and experience to new generations – a vital process in the sport’s evolution in Pakistan.
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