‘He should be given a chance to play’- Shahid Afridi on Sarfaraz Ahmed

Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi says Sarfaraz Ahmed should be given a chance in the team if the team management decides to rest his counterpart Mohammad Rizwan for the upcoming ODI series against West Indies.

While speaking to a local Pakistani channel, Afridi was asked about Rizwan's workload and if Pakistan should test their bench strength in the upcoming West Indies ODI series. Afridi stated that Sarfaraz is the second-best option and should be given a chance to play if picked up in the squad. Afridi further said that a player like Sarfaraz deserves the proper treatment and respect.

"Sarfaraz should be given a chance if the selection committee selects him for the series. However, if Rizwan is rested and Sarfaraz is in the squad, then I believe Sarfaraz deserves to play," Shahid Afridi said [as quoted by ASports].

"Sarfaraz is the second-best choice, in my opinion, and if he is a member of the squad, he should be given the opportunity first. I believe we should treat a player with this level of respect," he added.

The veteran all-rounder also added that Mohammad Haris was a bit early to make his debut in international cricket despite the youngster putting up an impressive show in the Pakistan Super League.

"It is too early for Haris. Why are we in such a hurry for Haris? Let him play," he said.

Sarfaraz has been getting limited chances since Mohammad Rizwan took his place as the wicketkeeper batter in the XI. The 2017 Champions Trophy-winning captain was also sacked from captaincy duties after Pakistan's performances against Sri Lanka in the home series in 2020.

West Indies are scheduled to play three ODIs in Pakistan on June 8, 10, and 12, with Rawalpindi hosting the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League matches at the Pindi Cricket Stadium from 8-12 June.