Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has hit back at cricket analysts, accusing them of double standards in their commentary. Speaking on a private TV program, he pointed out how some experts say one thing on TV but act differently in person.
Sarfaraz, who has led Pakistan to multiple victories, including the 2017 Champions Trophy, expressed his disappointment over the biased and unfair criticism from certain analysts. He also revealed that he had received offers from three to four media houses to work as an analyst during the recent Champions Trophy, but he chose to stay away.
Analysts Change Opinions Based on Personal Relations
Sarfaraz directly addressed the contradictions in cricket punditry, saying that some senior cricketers only praise those they have personal ties with.
The big cricketers don’t say anything. They talk about those with whom they had dinner, and if you were with them, they would say there is no one like you. But now they are criticizing.
He questioned whether their past praise was genuine or if their current criticism is unjustified.
Calls for Balanced and Fair Commentary
Sarfaraz urged analysts to maintain a balanced approach rather than making extreme comments. He emphasized that a player’s records and performances should be the real criteria for judgment rather than personal biases.
Either you were wrong when you were praising or you are criticizing wrongly now. I think everything should be done with balance.
Media Offers for Sarfaraz as an Analyst
Despite being a key figure in Pakistan cricket, Sarfaraz has chosen not to become an analyst, even though he received multiple offers. He hinted that some analysts use their platform to settle personal scores, rather than providing objective insights.
Comparison of Current Players Based on Records
Sarfaraz also challenged the fairness of comparisons between current and past players. He urged everyone to check statistics rather than make biased judgments.
Look at everyone’s records and see if they are the same. That’s why I say you should think before you speak.
Respect Comes from Performance, Not Opinions
Sarfaraz subtly criticized a cricketer-turned-analyst without naming him, stating:
Personally, I think he is not a good cricketer, but God gave him respect even when he was not capable.
His words suggest that success in cricket is determined by performance, not media narratives.
Sarfaraz Ahmed’s comments highlight a growing issue in cricket commentary, where personal favoritism and biases often overshadow genuine analysis. His call for balanced criticism serves as a reminder that cricketers should be judged fairly, based on their performance and records, rather than personal relationships.
As cricket evolves, players and fans alike hope for objective and professional analysis, rather than selective criticism based on past friendships or conflicts.
