Sarfaraz Ahmed carrying water to the field sparks controversy

While everyone commends Pakistan’s performance in the Test series against England and celebrates Shaan Masood’s century, on the other hand, controversy also erupted after a picture of former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed bringing water to the field went viral on social media. The matter became so big that even Head Coach Misbah ul Haq had to address it in the post-match press conference.

Several of Sarfaraz’s fans were disappointed over the incident and said that he deserved better treatment being a senior player.

This is the treatment Fawad Alam has been subject to and now Sarfaraz. Younis Khan must take notice of this action since he knows the feeling … https://t.co/UEf6NOBI5z

— Omair Alavi عمیر علوی (@omair78) August 6, 2020

Our captain is serving as a 12th man in the sqaud what a shameful movement for the team that a person who has got ability to lead the team cleverly is serving shoes pair to the batsman. What a down to earth person he is. #sarfarazahmed pic.twitter.com/doCgiVcV3U

— Awais Ali (@TheAwaisA) August 6, 2020

Sarfaraz Ahmed is our former and debatably the most successful captain in recent times. He is an asset who has given us more than any other Pakistani captain. Using him as a water boy is his insult. Any other young player should have done this instead of Sarfaraz.#PAKvsENG pic.twitter.com/PLalAVri2j

— محمد یاور (@sheikhyawar0) August 6, 2020

Jokes apart
But this guy doesn't deserve this all
He is a champion trophy winner caption
He is senior most player in the team
🤬 #sarfaraz #ENGvPAK pic.twitter.com/BqxPRm9ROc

— ھمزہ (@OyeNalaiqInsan) August 6, 2020

Shoaib Akhtar and Rashid Latif also expressed their outrage over the matter.

“I didn’t like the visual. If you want to make an example out of a boy from Karachi, then it is wrong. You can’t do this to a player who has led Pakistan for four years and has won Champions Trophy for the country. You have made him carry the shoes. If he has done it himself, then stop him. Wasim Akram never brought shoes for me,” Akhtar is reported to have said.

“This shows that Sarfaraz is such a docile and weak man. He must have lead Pakistan in the same way as he carried the shoes. That’s why Mickey Arthur always dominated him. I am not saying carrying the shoes is a problem, but former captain can’t do that,” he added.

“Senior players like Amir and Wahab who are also sitting out, are not even in their kits. They are wearing track suits. This is not team spirit, but this greatness of Sarfaraz because he is passionate about the game. This should not have happened,” said Rashid Latif.

However, others lauded Sarfaraz for his team spirit.

Respect and character you truly are a teamMan brother @SarfarazA_54 🙏🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/21DDrQ6LRP

— Fahad Mustafa (@fahadmustafa26) August 6, 2020

Lot of respect for @SarfarazA_54 after looking at this picture. Ex captain of a winning squad bringing in shoes for a youngster who has played under him.
The man has shown no ego but has shown a lot of pride. #Respect pic.twitter.com/d8EYjgPye5

— Ali Haider Zaidi (@AliHZaidiPTI) August 6, 2020

This shows how humble and down-to-earth Sarfaraz is. Many of our stars would have ego issues but Sarfaraz has set a very good example for everyone in Pakistan that serving your colleagues doesn't devalue you. https://t.co/JblR6sIQxH

— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) August 6, 2020

Others shared pictures of other cricketers carrying water bottles and said that it was not a big deal.

Sarfaraz is now the company of Bradman, Kohli and Ponting. https://t.co/eYH12xEeFK pic.twitter.com/XRfGRhLM5q

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) August 6, 2020

Cannot believe this is a story after a day’s play like today https://t.co/s6qdaxw9dq

— Osman Samiuddin (@OsmanSamiuddin) August 6, 2020

All those who are whining on #SarfarazAhmed being used as a water boy in the team. Here are pictures of #Australia's #DavidWarner doing the same job for his team. As a professional player, you have to do what is asked of you #ENGvPAK pic.twitter.com/ridcpxZiVQ

— Raza.H (@razahaidery90) August 6, 2020

Misbah ul Haq while addressing the matter said: “Discussions like this can only happen in Pakistan. I also performed the duties of a 12th man, when I was captain and was sitting out in a match against Australia. There is no shame in doing that.

He added: “Sarfaraz is a wonderful human being and player. He knows that it is a team game. When other players are practicising outside, so the player who is available has to help out. It is not a matter of disrespect. In fact, it is big of Sarfaraz that he doesn’t mind doing it. Plus, it is a sign of a good team. I don’t think it’s a big deal,” he added.

Question: @SarfarazA_54 came on the field as a water boy and people start criticising this on social media. @captainmisbahpk : it happens only in Pakistan, I was captain in Australia and I came on the field as 12th man and Sarfaraz knows its a team game.#ENGvPAK #SarfarazAhmed pic.twitter.com/EN1BtWFpoz

— Khel Shel (@khelshel) August 6, 2020

Some people unhappy that Sarfaraz Ahmed was carrying the drinks today.

No player is too big or too important to carry the drinks.

Misbah's reply at the press conference "even I carried the drinks for the team in Australia" #EngvPak #Cricket pic.twitter.com/BMX845PFhj

— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) August 6, 2020

IN PICTURES: Pakistan cricket team trains at Worcestershire

Meanwhile, Shaan is being lauded for his outstanding performance in yesterday’s match. According to details, Masood is the first Pakistani opener to score a century in England in this century (21st century).

Shan Masood is first Pakistani opener to score a century in England in 21st century. Last was Saeed Anwar who scored 176 at the Oval in 1996. Also, first oversea opener to score century in first innings of a Test in England since 2015, last was Australia’s Chris Rogers. #ENGvPAK

— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) August 6, 2020

Shan Masood's hundred is the first by a Pakistani opener in England since Saeed Anwar in 1996 #ENGvPAK

— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) August 6, 2020

💯 for Shan Masood 🎉 👏

He is the first 🇵🇰 opener to score a Test century in England since Saeed Anwar in 1996 🤯 #ENGvPAK pic.twitter.com/utnY1fuNdk

— ICC (@ICC) August 6, 2020

Shan Masood is the first Pakistan opener in 24 years to score a century in England. Saeed Anwar (176) was the last Pakistani opener to score a century in England, Oval 1996. #ENGvPAK pic.twitter.com/mcz1qsWK1e

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 6, 2020