Karachi (Web Desk) Former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed envisions the Champions Trophy returning to Pakistan’s hands, calling the current squad stronger and more balanced than the 2017 team.
In a special interview with Cricket Pakistan, Sarfaraz Ahmed said, “After eight years, the ICC Champions Trophy is being held again, and the current Pakistani team looks quite strong. The home conditions will also be advantageous. If we compare the 2017 team with the current squad, this one appears more solid, with world-class players like Babar Azam. There’s also a significant improvement in Fakhar Zaman from eight years ago.”
He added, “Mohammad Rizwan is among the best wicketkeepers in the world. We have bowlers like Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Mohammad Hasnain. On paper, the national team looks exceptional, and we hope they maintain their winning streak in this Champions Trophy and bring the trophy home again.”
When asked about Fakhar Zaman, Sarfaraz said, “As long as Fakhar is on the crease, runs will keep coming. Shaheen also bowls brilliantly with the new ball. This team has the potential to win the Champions Trophy again for Pakistan.”
“Every cricketer dreams of achieving such a moment in their career, and winning the Champions Trophy was exactly that for us.” Sarfaraz
He emphasized that no team should be underestimated in the Champions Trophy, acknowledging Pakistan’s tough group.
Reflecting on the 2017 victory, Sarfaraz said, “Even today, I get goosebumps when I think about those moments. Thank God we won that mega-event. After returning home, we were invited and honored by Bahria Town’s owner, then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the Army Chief, and the Naval Chief. The celebrations after the final were unforgettable. Every cricketer dreams of achieving such a moment in their career, and winning the Champions Trophy was exactly that for us.”
He recalled, “I still remember every match of the 2017 Champions Trophy. Hasan Ali bowled exceptionally throughout the tournament and deservedly became the Player of the Tournament. Even after that event, whenever the team needed crucial breakthroughs, Hasan delivered.”
Speaking about the team’s momentum in 2017, Sarfaraz noted, “Our team had great momentum going into the Champions Trophy. The difference between my captaincy in the first match and the final was immense. I told the players not to worry about the results but to give 100% on the field. And throughout the event, every player gave their best in every department.”
“Every Player Has to Say Goodbye to Cricket Eventually”: Sarfaraz Ahmed
In the same interview, former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed opened up about his potential retirement from international cricket, saying, “Every player has to retire from cricket at some point. When I feel my time is up, I’ll step away from the game myself.”
Recalling his childhood in Karachi’s Buffer Zone, Sarfaraz said, “I still live in the same street where I was born. The people there have always given me immense love. I started my cricket journey playing tape-ball cricket in those same streets, and perhaps my future life will continue there as well. My success in cricket is deeply rooted in that street cricket and the hard work I put in.”
It is worth mentioning that Sarfaraz Ahmed was not included in the Quetta Gladiators’ squad for the current Pakistan Super League (PSL) edition. In the previous edition, South African cricketer Rilee Rossouw was appointed captain in his place. Sarfaraz played his last Test match in December 2024, while his last ODI appearance was against South Africa in 2021.
