The PSL exhibition game between Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi remained one of the most eventful games of the New Year. Not only was the game interrupted by a reported bomb blast, but it also made headlines for Iftikhar Ahmed, hitting six sixes in the final over of the Gladiator's innings, bowled by Wahab Riaz.
The match would again be among the headlines as the Gladiator's skipper, Sarfaraz Ahmed, was heard using obscene language on a teammate after being unhappy with the proceedings. In the end, the Gladiators won the game by three runs as the crowd were treated to edge-of-the-seat T20 action.
Sarfaraz Ahmed has had a continued problem with abusive behaviour
The Peshawar Zalmi raced to 40 for no loss in just 3.4 overs, and Sarfaraz was clearly unhappy with the collective effort shown by his teammates. When the next ball by Aimal Khan was hit for a six by Mohammad Harris, the Gladiators skipper could clearly be heard verbally abusing his teammate.
Here's the video:
This is how your best captain is abusing a 17-year-old boy 🤡#sarfarazkhan @cricketpakcompk @HuzaifaKhan021 @muzamilasif4 ab bolo na is par🤡 pic.twitter.com/q5kX5vYtje
— Akku👑 (@marina_vine) February 6, 2023
This is not the first time Sarfaraz has been unable to control his emotional outbursts. He has previously been criticised by several former Cricketers and even fans for his abusive nature. In an interview from 2021, Lahore Qalandars head coach Aaqib Javed told Cricket Pakistan that he once tried complaining about the wicketkeeper's behaviour to umpire Aleem Dar.
"I told Aleem Dar about how Sarfaraz has been treating Quetta's bowlers from behind the stumps. I don't know how they endure these abuses and insults. No code of conduct applies to him for abusing players in the open?" said Aaqib.
Sarfaraz was previously fined for using obscene language while playing against Balochistan in the National T20 Cup 2022. He used abusive language after his dismissal. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had charged the wicketkeeper-batter under Article 2.3 of the Pakistan Cricket's Code of Conduct, which reads, "Use of audible obscenity".