Sarfaraz Ahmed

PAK
PAK
Batsman
Batsman
Sarfaraz Ahmed

Player Bio

Sarfaraz Ahmed is a name synonymous with Pakistan cricket. Born on 22 May 1987 in Karachi, Sarfaraz comes from a family that runs a printing press business. He is married to Syeda Khushbakht and has two children.

Sarfaraz started his cricketing journey as an aggressive batsman who could keep wickets well. His captaincy skills were evident from an early age, leading the U-17 team to victory at the inter-regional championship in 2002. However, it was in 2006 when he led the U-19 team to victory in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, defeating India in the final, that he announced himself on the world stage.

Since then, Sarfaraz has gone from strength to strength and established himself as one of Pakistan's finest cricketers. He has captained his country across all formats of the game and led them to several famous victories.

Early Life and Background

Sarfaraz's childhood was spent playing cricket on the streets of Karachi with his friends. He grew up idolising Pakistani legends such as Inzamam-ul-Haq and Wasim Akram and dreamed of playing for his country one day.

His father passed away in 2006, which had a profound impact on Sarfaraz's life both personally and professionally. It was around this time that he began to take his cricket seriously and focus on making it into the national team.

Despite facing initial struggles with his fitness and form, Sarfaraz never gave up hope of fulfilling his dream of representing Pakistan at the highest level. His hard work paid off when he was selected for Pakistan's tour of India in 2007.

Rise to Prominence

Sarfaraz made his ODI debut against India in November 2007 and played his first Test match against Australia in January 2010. He faced some early struggles but gradually improved over time, scoring consecutive centuries against Sri Lanka, Australia, and New Zealand during the 2014-15 season.

Sarfaraz's breakthrough moment came when he was appointed as Pakistan's T20 captain for the 2016 ICC World Twenty20. He led his side to the semi-finals of the tournament, where they were narrowly defeated by eventual champions West Indies.

However, it was in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy that Sarfaraz cemented his place as a legend of Pakistani cricket. He led his team to victory in the tournament, beating South Africa, Sri Lanka, England, and India in the process. Sarfaraz was named captain of the team of the tournament and became the first Pakistani captain since Imran Khan to win a major ICC trophy.

Cricketing Career

Sarfaraz Ahmed is a wicketkeeper-batsman known for his aggressive and energetic approach on the field. He has been a key player and leader for Pakistan in limited-overs cricket, particularly in T20Is and ODIs.

In ODIs, Sarfaraz has represented Pakistan in over 120 matches and scored over 2,500 runs at an average of above 34. In T20Is, he has scored almost 800 runs at an average of around 29. With gloves on hand behind stumps, he has taken more than a hundred catches along with a few stumpings.

Sarfaraz's career highlights include being named captain of Pakistan's Test team in September 2017 and leading them to victory against Australia later that year. He also captained Quetta Gladiators to two PSL finals.

However, despite all his achievements on the international stage, Sarfaraz was unceremoniously removed as captain of all three formats in October 2019 due to his sustained loss of personal form. Since then, he has been working hard to regain his place in the national team and return to his former glory.

Sarfaraz Ahmed is a cricketer who embodies the spirit of Pakistani cricket. He is passionate, aggressive, and an excellent leader on the field. His achievements in international cricket have made him a national icon, and he continues to inspire young cricketers across Pakistan with his determination and commitment to the game.

Major Tournaments and Series

Sarfaraz Ahmed has had an illustrious career in the international cricketing circuit, with his performances in ICC tournaments making him a household name in the world of cricket. He has been a key player for Pakistan in several major tournaments and series.

Sarfaraz's most significant contribution to Pakistan cricket came when he led the team to victory in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. It was a memorable tournament where Pakistan started as underdogs but went on to win the title, beating South Africa, Sri Lanka, England, and India along the way. Sarfaraz played a crucial role with both bat and gloves throughout the tournament, finishing as Pakistan's second-highest run-scorer.

In addition to the Champions Trophy win, Sarfaraz has represented Pakistan in multiple ICC Cricket World Cups. His best performance in the tournament came during the 2015 edition held in Australia and New Zealand. He was named Man of the Match against South Africa after scoring a crucial century that helped Pakistan chase down a challenging total.

Sarfaraz also played a vital role in Pakistan's T20 World Cup campaigns, captaining them to two semi-final appearances. In addition to these marquee events, he has been part of various bilateral series wins against top cricketing nations like India, Australia, Sri Lanka, and West Indies.

Apart from his contributions to international cricket, Sarfaraz has also excelled at franchise-based tournaments like IPL and PSL. He captained Quetta Gladiators to two finals of PSL; however, they couldn't get their hands on the trophy.

Playing Role and Skills

Sarfaraz Ahmed is primarily known for being a wicketkeeper-batsman who can hold his own with both glove work and batting skills. With his safe pair of hands behind the stumps coupled with his aggressive batting style, he is considered one of the most reliable players in Pakistan's limited-overs cricket.

Sarfaraz has been a crucial member of the Pakistan team with his leadership and tactical awareness on the field. He is an intelligent player who can quickly adapt to different match situations, making him an asset to any team he plays for.

As a batsman, Sarfaraz is known for his attacking instincts and ability to score runs quickly. He is an excellent finisher who can marshal the lower order in tight run chases. Although not known as a classical stroke-maker, Sarfaraz's street-smart approach makes him effective in all formats of the game.

As a wicketkeeper, Sarfaraz is safe behind the stumps and has taken some spectacular catches during his career. His quick reflexes make him one of Pakistan's best keepers. Sarfraz also reads the game well and provides valuable inputs to the captain regarding field placement and bowling changes.

Personality and Off-the-Field Persona

Off the field, Sarfaraz Ahmed comes across as a soft-spoken individual with tremendous leadership qualities. He has been praised by his teammates for being an approachable captain who listens to everyone's views but also takes strong decisions when needed.

Sarfaraz's greatest achievement as captain was leading Pakistan to victory in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. It was a momentous occasion for Pakistani cricket after years of turmoil, and Sarfaraz played a significant role in bringing back joy to millions of Pakistani fans worldwide.

Sarfaraz has been associated with various brand endorsements throughout his career, including PepsiCo and Huawei Mobiles. However, he remains grounded despite his success and fame.

The cricketer recently made headlines when he was sacked as captain from all three formats due to poor form in October 2019. Despite this setback, he remains a valuable member of Pakistan's cricketing setup, and his contributions to the team cannot be overlooked.

Sarfaraz Ahmed's leadership qualities, tactical awareness, and ability to handle pressure situations make him a standout player in the world of cricket. He is an inspiration to many aspiring cricketers who look up to him as a role model.

Legacy and Impact

Sarfaraz Ahmed has left a significant impact on the game, both as a player and as a leader of his team. He is regarded as one of Pakistan's most successful captains, leading his side to victory in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy against all odds. His aggressive yet calculated approach on the field made him a respected figure among his peers and fans.

Sarfaraz's legacy is not limited to his leadership on the field but also his impressive skills with the bat and gloves. He has been an inspiration for young cricketers in Pakistan who dream of following in his footsteps. His ability to perform under pressure situations and lead by example has earned him respect from cricket pundits around the world.

One of Sarfaraz's most extraordinary achievements was leading Pakistan to win the 2006 U-19 World Cup, defeating India in the final. This victory was instrumental in showcasing Sarfaraz's leadership abilities from an early age.

Overall, Sarfaraz Ahmed will be remembered as one of Pakistan's finest cricketers and leaders of all time. His impact on the game will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.

Recognition and Awards

Sarfaraz Ahmed has received several accolades throughout his career for both his performances and contributions to the team's success. In 2017, he won several awards, including PCB's Outstanding Player of The Year award and Sitara-e-Imtiaz – Pakistan's third-highest civilian award – for his achievements as captain of Pakistan's cricket team.

He led Pakistan to win their first major ICC tournament since 1992 when they won the 2017 Champions Trophy against arch-rivals India. For this achievement, he was named captain and wicketkeeper of the 'Team of The Tournament.' In addition, he secured Pakistan's No.1 T20I ranking during his tenure as captain, making him one of Pakistan's most successful captains.

Sarfaraz's leadership and performance on the field have also earned him honorary positions in major cricket organisations. In 2019, he was appointed as the Vice-President of the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Sarfaraz Ahmed is not only a talented cricketer but also an exceptional leader whose impact will be felt for years to come. His dedication to the game and his team has earned him respect and admiration from cricket fans worldwide. From leading Pakistan to win the U-19 World Cup in 2006 to lifting the Champions Trophy in 2017, Sarfaraz has left an indelible mark on Pakistani cricket.

As a wicketkeeper-batsman, Sarfaraz has been an inspiration for young cricketers who aspire to play for their nation at the highest level. His positive approach and ability to perform under pressure have made him a role model for many aspiring cricketers in Pakistan.

Sarfaraz Ahmed's contribution to Pakistani cricket will always be remembered as one of the finest examples of leadership and skill combined. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers who dream of following in his footsteps.

FAQs
What is Sarfaraz Ahmed's net worth?
As per sources, Sarfaraz Ahmed's net worth is estimated at around Rs 65 crore INR.
Does Sarfaraz Ahmed have any daughters?
Yes, Sarfaraz Ahmed has two children – a daughter named Syeda Noor Fatima and a son named Abdullah.
How many centuries has Sarfaraz Ahmed scored?
Sarfaraz Ahmed has scored 6 centuries across all formats of international cricket.
When did Sarfaraz Ahmed make his debut match?
He made his ODI debut in November 2007 against India and his Test debut in January 2010 against Australia.
What is Sarfaraz Ahmed's highest score in Test cricket?
Sarfaraz Ahmed's highest Test score is 118.