Afridi backs 'fighter' Sarfraz Ahmed to captain Pakistan in all three formats

Shahid Afridi believes that Pakistan's current T20 captain Sarfraz Ahmed is the right guy to captain the side in all the three formats of the game as the wicketkeeper-batsman is a "fighter and Pakistan needs a fighter right now".

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the recently renovated Mass Communication Department at the Karachi University (KU), Afridi said, "Sarfraz is a fighter and Pakistan needs a fighter right now."

"He has the ability to captain Pakistan in all three formats," the Express Tribune quoted him as saying.

Recently, Inzamam-ul-Haq, chief selector of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), also called for one captain across all formats for Pakistan, thus indirectly advising Test skipper Misbah-ul-Haq to leave captaincy.

Talking to reporters in the wake of team's dismal performance in New Zealand and Australia, Inzamam said, "I haven't given any advice to the PCB over the captaincy issue but I think the perfect man for the job is one who can lead in all three formats."

The former T20 skipper also commented on his own cricketing career, saying he is currently focusing more on T20 leagues now.

"I have played enough international cricket for Pakistan. I am focusing more on T20 leagues now," he said.

Citing the example of cricket legend Imran Khan, the 36-year-old further advised cricketers to focus more on their fitness.

"Fitness is very important when you are playing cricket. Players should pay special attention to it. Look at [former Pakistan captain] Imran Khan. He still keeps himself fit," he said.

Pakistan will now travel to West Indies for two T20s, three ODIs and three Tests beginning March 31 at Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain.