More drama: Kamran says he won’t budge for Sarfraz
Well, today we all thought the matter was dead and buried when Intikhab Alam declared that Kamran would be dropped and Sarfraz would make his Test debut. Apparently, Kamran Akmal has other plans:
Kamran Akmal: I won’t budge for Sarfraz Ahmed
Peter Badel, Hobart From: Herald Sun January 13, 2010 12:00AM
Glove war: Sarfraz Ahmed, who has been flown in to replace Kamran Akmal, trains in Hobart. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun
PAKISTAN’S cricket soap opera became high farce yesterday as wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal refused to bow to a demand from team hierarchy to sack himself.
The selection saga took an extraordinary twist yesterday with Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam revealing Kamran had been told to put the team’s interests first by falling on his sword for rival Sarfraz Ahmed.
After a two-day war of words, the gloveman’s future will be known today when a four-man panel comprising skipper Mohammad Yousuf, Intikhab, team manager Abdur Raquib and, ironically, Kamran, as vice-captain, select the Pakistan team for the third Test against Australia starting tomorrow.
But Kamran said he would not roll over for Sarfraz, just two hours after Intikhab announced at 4pm yesterday that the 22-year-old Sarfraz would make his Test debut.
“I will not drop myself,” Kamran said last night.
“No one has told me anything. I have not spoken to coach or captain. You have to talk to them but I have said I want to play and that is it.”
But Intikhab said there was “no doubt” Sarfraz would face the Australians.
“Yes he will play, definitely,” he said. “He was sent here to play, not to just have a rest.”
Asked if Kamran would agree to axe himself, Intikhab said: "I have already spoken to Kamran and I think he understands.
“This has happened in the past. We were in Sri Lanka (last year), Misbah-ul-Haq was the vice-captain and he wasn’t having a good time. He sat in the meeting and then we agreed (to drop Misbah). At times you have to take the tough decisions. Sarfraz will play.”
Sarfraz completed an hour-long session in the nets yesterday with Kamran’s younger brother Umar, who was passed fit to play.
“I’m very excited to be selected for the Test team,” Sarfraz said. "Of course I’m nervous but the coach and manager all supported me.
“Kamran has supported me … and he is saying to me there is no pressure.”
Should Kamran thumb his nose at Pakistan hierarchy, Yousuf would have the casting vote as captain.
Intikhab and Raquib are under pressure to back the Pakistan Cricket Board’s directive to play Sarfraz.
“I can’t say just yet if Kamran will play,” Yousuf said.
Asked if going against the PCB’s wishes could cost him the captaincy, Yousuf said: “This is not my decision, it is up to the Pakistan Cricket Board.”
Former Australian Test quick Geoff Lawson, who was sacked as Pakistan coach last year, said Yousuf could pay the price if he backed Kamran.
“Does he think his career is dependent on picking the best side for the Test or doing what the PCB wants?” Lawson said.