Sarfaraz retained as Pakistan captain ahead of Sri Lanka series

Sarfaraz Ahmed has successfully retained his captaincy of the Pakistan cricket team for their series against Sri Lanka, Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed on Friday.

The 32-year-old was appointed as the Pakistan skipper for all formats back in April 2017. Sarfaraz led his side in the Champions Trophy victory two months later and also in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

PCB decided to continue with Sarfaraz just a week after Misbah-ul-Haq, former captain, was announced as the head coach and chief selector of the national team.

"I feel humbled and honoured to have been awarded extension to my captaincy term," Sarfaraz said in a statement.

"I have enjoyed captaining the Pakistan cricket team and look forward to improve my leadership qualities under the new set-up of Misbah-ul-Haq who also has a proven record as captain."

"I have played most of my cricket under Misbah and we know each other pretty well. I think we will make a good combination, which will contribute to improved performances of the side across all formats."

Under Sarfaraz's captaincy, Pakistan failed to reach the semi-finals of this year's World Cup, which led to the PCB's decision to not renew head coach Mickey Arthur's contract.

Former Pak U19 captain and Top-order batsman Babar Azam was also named as the new vice-captain after an impressive run across all formats.

Pakistan take on Sri Lanka in three one-day internationals and three Twenty20 matches between September. 27 and October 9.