In recent Pakistan Cricket news, Ramiz Raja's successor as head of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Najam Sethi, was chosen. Shahid Afridi was chosen to serve as an interim chief selector for the New Zealand series after Najam regained control of the situation as chairman and replaced Mohammad Wasim.
Ramiz had already released the lineup for the New Zealand Tests, but Najam showed that he was willing to make any necessary changes. Afridi was chosen by Najam to serve as the interim chief selector, and three more players were added to the initial group. Shahnawaz Dahani, Sajid Khan, and Mir Hamza were the three of them.
Afridi and captain Babar Azam decided to let Sarfaraz Ahmed play in addition to choosing deserving cricketers for the team. Since 2019, the former skipper has not been in action. He expressed his delight about playing again after a two-year hiatus, saying he was almost out of confidence and that it felt like his Test debut.
"My heartbeat was out of control when I entered the field to take the pitch. It felt like my debut when the first three balls of the inning were thrown,"
"At that time, I desperately needed confidence, and Babar Azam helped me a lot. Thank God, everything fell into place for me, and I succeeded."
"I was very pleased when I learned I was making a comeback. I returned Shahid Bhai's call after he had texted me. He greatly boosted my confidence."
Sarfaraz acknowledged that the prior four years had been difficult for him, but with the steadfast support of his loved ones, he was able to restore his form. He also urged individuals to express criticism in a detached manner rather than personally.
"My last four years have been difficult, but I've sat at positive meetings where individuals have consistently inspired me. I want to thank my family, friends, the media, and everyone else who has ever supported me."
"The way a cricket player plays should be criticised. Criticism of oneself is never attractive."
The former captain was unsure if he would be able to participate in his 50th test match.
"I once questioned if I would be able to participate in the 50th test match. When I learned the day before that I would be taking the Karachi Test, I was ecstatic."