Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed has said that he was afraid to watch himself on the television after reporting a suspicious spot-fixing approach from a bookie during the recently concluded five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka.
Speaking in Abu Dhabi, Sarfraz said he was relieved that the episode was over but still felt a certain nervousness watching himself play on television despite reporting the approach as soon as possible.
“Whatever happened, it is done and I did what I was supposed to do. But I wasn’t frightened after informing; in fact, I was more scared watching myself on TV. I was discussed on TV so much that at some stage I started to feel fear. But by the grace of Allah, everything is getting normal. When you are going into a series you need to be normal and everything is going good so far,” the skipper said.
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Sarfraz had duly reported the matter to the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit officials during the series which Pakistan swept 5-0.
Pakistan had completed a 5-0 sweep of Sri Lanka in the series.
Pakistan’s South African coach Mickey Arthur had commended his skipper for his integrity and stated that Sarfraz was a role model for other players in the team.
“To be honest the player reacted unbelievably well, he did everything required of him and we had a chat straight afterwards. It was handled brilliantly and I think that is a real example to our team and to the cricket world that a really important player was approached and acted to the letter of the law and did exceptionally well as a true ambassador of the game.
“I am very comfortable with our players, they are outstanding and I have no doubt that if anyone is approached they will do the same way as the individual did,” Arthur added.