New Delhi: Pakistanis have rediscovered an old champion in former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed. The 38-year-old former cricketer and now the U19 coach has led the country to a historic win, and Pakistanis are rallying for him.
“Sarfaraz kabhi dhoka nahi dega (Sarfaraz will never fall short),” is the mood.
Pakistan’s U-19 team Sunday registered a record 191 runs against India—the biggest winning margin in an U19 Asia Cup final.
A viral video showed an emotional Pakistani fan urging PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to appoint Ahmed as mentor for the senior national team ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
Praise came from stalwarts, too.
“A special win for Pakistan today. The boys displayed fearlessness, maturity, belief and teamwork in a big game. Proud of the way they represented Pakistan in this U19 Asia Cup!” Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood wrote on X.
“Jeetay raho beta. What a knock of 172 by Sameer Minhas to lead Pak-U19 to victory,” Shoaib Akhtar added.
Wasim Akram wrote: “Champions of Asia! Pakistan U19 lift the DP World Men’s U19 Asia Cup in style. Ali Raza’s fiery bowling set the tone, and Minhas’ magnificent 150 sealed the deal. Future stars shining bright—well played, boys!”
Babar Azam also praised the team.
“Well done, boys! Lifting the trophy after a stellar campaign and dominating the final. Big credit to Saifi Bhai, whose experience shaped this triumph. Keep the hunger going,” he wrote on X.
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Redemption and relief
Pakistani cricket fans cannot get enough of their hero. And it is about time Ahmed gets his redemption.
It was X user Sheharyr who went back in time in his post. “Very happy for @SarfarazA_54 finally getting due credit for his services after he was humiliated by Imran Khan’s PCB in 2019,” he wrote.
When Pakistan lost the 2019 World Cup, then Prime Minister Imran Khan referenced the match during a motivational address to students at the Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute.
He cited Pakistan’s defeat as an example, which was partly blamed on Ahmed’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss, despite Khan advising the team hours before the match to bat first.
Ahead of that high-profile clash, Khan had tweeted advice for Ahmed, referring to some players as “raillu kattas”.
One of Khan’s tweets read: “In order to have a winning offensive strategy Sarfaraz must go in with specialist batsmen and bowlers because ‘Raillu Kattas’ rarely perform under pressure — especially the intense kind that will be generated today. Unless the pitch is damp, Sarfaraz must win the toss & bat.”
The tables have turned for Ahmed, who is now being hailed as a genius for his coaching.
“Whoever in the PCB made the decision to have Sarfaraz as head of our Shaheens and U19 team, you are a genius. Sarfaraz is the ideal person. The least selfish Pakistani cricketer ever. And a winning mindset. He will transform our upcoming generation of players,” wrote X user Haroon.
(Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)