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Sarfraz Ahmed denies talk of rift with Shoaib Malik

Written by Vipin Darwade

Pakistan’s captain Sarfraz Ahmed is currently serving a 4-match suspension due to his racist comments against the South African all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo. Sarfraz, after the suspension, was called back by the PCB and Shoaib Malik has been leading the side since then for the remaining matches against South Africa. As soon as Shoaib Malik took over the reins of the team, rumours of a fallout between both the cricketers started doing the rounds. But he has said that there is no truth to these rumours and also clarified the PCB’s decision to call him back from the South African tour.

“There is no truth to the claim people who play under Shoaib bhai don’t want to play under me. All the boys are very good and support each other. I don’t think there’s anything about that,” he said.

“I’m hopeful and expectant of a comeback. I came back because I had a four-match ban, and there was just one more match after that. So travelling with the team all that while and not playing, what with me having been away from home for five months, was very hectic. If I had come back with the team and got just three days here before going for the PSL [Pakistan Super League], that would have been very hectic. So getting the rest instead was much better.” he added.

Sarfraz said that he is hopeful that he will make a successful return to the team and will indeed by the leader of the team going into the World Cup 2019 that will start on May 30.

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Vipin Darwade