BIG BLOW: Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed likely to quit following reports of rift with chief selector Inzamam ul Haq

More troubles to follow for Pakistan as reports of captain Sarfaraz Ahmed likely to quit in the middle of the tournament surfaced. Sarfaraz was caught in the eye of the storm after a humiliating 89 run loss to arch-rivals India on June 16 and has been severely criticized by former players and fans for his lackadaisical attitude and negligence of fitness. 

Rumours of Sarfaraz Ahmed's resignation comes amid reports of a rift between the captain and the chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq. It has been alleged that Inzamam ul Haq has been overruling all the decisions made by the skipper including the decision of whom to play in the main eleven. Sarfaraz has also been facing severe pressure from the Pakistan Cricket Board, as it announced a "robust review and analysis" in the wake of Pakistan's dismal performance in the World Cup so far. It is also alleged that the PCB chief Ehsan Mani has pulled up the skipper's name for "failing to inspire and lead the team properly". 

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The resignation is most likely to follow if Pakistan loses their next two matches against South Africa and New Zealand, which would signal a sure end to their World Cup campaign. Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board officials had expressed confidence in the team to pick themselves up and finish the tournament on a high note. There were also reports of differences of opinions between players in the dressing room that was affecting the performance of the team. Sarfaraz Ahmed was also caught yawning in the mid-field while keeping behind the stumps in the game against India. 

Inzamam ul Haq has reportedly been asked to go back to Pakistan as he was virtually in control of the team, not allowing the coach Mickey Arthur or the skipper to make any calls regarding the team.

Uncertainty looms for Pakistan as to who would control the team if the skipper resigns and the coach is also done away with. 

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