Misbah confirms Sarfaraz’s return for England tour

• The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning to send a 25-member squad for the tour in July to meet the demands of playing an entire tour in a ‘bio-secure’ bubble.

Pakistan cricket team’s head coach and chief selector Misbah ul Haq has confirmed that Sarfaraz Ahmed will be making his return in the national side during tour of England.

As per the initial report, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is planning to send a 25-member squad for the tour in July to meet the demands of playing an entire tour in a ‘bio-secure’ bubble.

Players were assured the PCB will not compromise on their health and safety. They will be given an option to withdraw if they are still not satisfied with the provisions that will be put in place.

Talking to Press Trust of India, Misbah said, “We will be taking a group of 25 to 27 players to England because we can’t ask for replacements and we all have to be together from start to end so that no one catches the virus.”

He added, “Yes it makes sense to take two keepers on this tour because where will we find a replacement in those conditions. Sarfaraz is obviously our choice.”

Misbal also backed the stance to remove Champions Trophy winning skipper from captaincy by saying he required a much needed brake.

“I felt that as time progressed Sarfaraz was feeling more pressure more so because of his own form which was suffering. It [removal from captaincy] was a decision to give him a break so that he could rest and make a strong comeback,” he said. I am happy to see that he has worked very hard on his fitness and game. He is very much in our plans.”