Under-fire Sarfaraz pleads with fans to stop abuse

Embattled Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has pleaded with furious fans to stop abusing his team ahead of Sunday’s World Cup clash against South Africa.

Pakistan’s painful defeat against bitter rivals India in Manchester last Sunday sparked a furious reaction from supporters, with ex-pats living in Britain taking out their frustrations on the players.

Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam were reportedly abused and shouted at while at lunch on Thursday, with fans claiming players responded by pushing them.

Pakistan’s players were advised to be cautious following the incidents in London this week and Sarfaraz admitted the team and their families have been troubled by the taunting, which included social media trolling.

“Players have their personal lives,” Sarfaraz said on the eve of Pakistan’s must-win game against the Proteas at Lord’s.