The Indian cricketing world has long been fascinated by Sarfaraz Khan — a prodigious run-maker in domestic cricket, especially in red-ball formats.
Yet his appearances for Team India have been surprisingly limited. This has led many fans and analysts to speculate whether the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) is indifferent — or even biased — when it comes to Sarfaraz.
In this article, we examine his performance, selection record, and whether there is substance to the claim that the BCCI “doesn’t like” Sarfaraz Khan.
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Sarfaraz Khan: Profile & Career Snapshot
- Full Name: Sarfaraz Naushad Khan
- Born: 22 October 1997 (Mumbai, India)
- Batting Style: Right-handed batter
- Bowling Style: Occasional leg-break bowler
- International Span: 2024 – present
In the domestic arena, Sarfaraz has built a formidable record. In first-class cricket, he has averaged nearly 66 in 55 matches with 16 centuries and 15 fifties.
He also scored a triple century in the Ranji Trophy in January 2020.
Despite this, his international opportunities have been limited.
He made his Test debut in February 2024 against England, scoring twin fifties and showing aggressive intent. But after that initial burst, his appearances for India dwindled.
Sarfaraz Khan Performance: Stats Overview
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate | 100s / 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 6 | 11 | 371 | 150 | 37.10 | 74.9 | 1 / 3 |
| First-Class | 55 | 83 | 4,685 | 301* | 65.98 | 70.8 | 16 / 15 |
| List A | 37 | 27 | 629 | 117 | 34.94 | 94.1 | 2 / 0 |
| T20 / IPL | 96 | 74 | 1,188 | 67 | 22.41 | 128.2 | 0 / 3 |
In his debut Test, Sarfaraz scored 62 and 68 not out, becoming one of the few Indian batters to hit twin fifties on Test debut.
His innings showed confidence, technique, and flair under pressure — qualities often praised by cricket experts.
Why Many Believe BCCI Doesn’t Favour Sarfaraz Khan
1. Delayed National Call-up
Sarfaraz’s Test debut came only in 2024, despite dominating domestic cricket for years.
Between 2019 and 2023, he averaged above 100 in multiple Ranji Trophy seasons. Many felt he should have been selected much earlier.
2. Frequent Exclusions After Good Performances
Even after performing well on debut, Sarfaraz has been repeatedly ignored for subsequent series.
He was dropped for later Tests and excluded from the India A squad despite consistent domestic form. This pattern has frustrated fans and former cricketers alike.
3. Unfair Fitness Criticism
BCCI officials and selectors have often questioned Sarfaraz’s fitness and body type. However, he recently lost over 17 kg and significantly improved his physical condition.
Despite this effort, his selection opportunities have not increased, leading many to believe that the fitness argument is merely an excuse.
4. Administrative Oversights
Recently, BCCI made an embarrassing scorecard error during a Ranji Trophy match — confusing Sarfaraz Khan’s name with his brother Musheer Khan.
The error reflected poorly on the board’s professionalism and raised doubts about how seriously Sarfaraz is regarded.
5. Criticism from Former Players
Former Indian cricketers such as Sanjay Manjrekar and Aakash Chopra have openly questioned why Sarfaraz keeps getting ignored.
They believe his domestic performance deserves far more recognition at the national level.
6. Changing Selection Priorities
With the focus shifting towards white-ball cricket and promoting younger players, proven red-ball performers like Sarfaraz often get sidelined.
The selectors appear more inclined toward multi-format or power-hitting players, even if their domestic numbers are weaker in Tests.
Counterarguments: Why the BCCI Might Have Its Reasons
While many fans believe the BCCI is unfair toward Sarfaraz, there are a few logical explanations behind the selection calls:
- Strong Competition: India has a surplus of middle-order batsmen, including Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Shubman Gill, making it hard to fit everyone in.
- Average International Start: Though decent, his Test average of 37.10 is not yet enough to secure a permanent spot.
- Adaptability Concerns: Selectors may want him to prove consistency across conditions, especially overseas.
- Fitness Standards: Modern cricket demands elite fitness levels, and the board may still be cautious about Sarfaraz’s long-term endurance.
Despite these reasons, the emotional sentiment among fans remains — Sarfaraz Khan deserves better treatment from the Indian cricket establishment.
Conclusion
It’s difficult to prove that BCCI dislikes Sarfaraz Khan conclusively, but the evidence suggests he’s not among the board’s top priorities.
His consistent domestic dominance, limited international chances, and questionable omissions hint at a systemic bias or undervaluation.
Unless the selectors give him a consistent run in the Indian squad, the perception that the BCCI is not interested in Sarfaraz Khan will persist.
Sarfaraz’s story represents a larger issue — the gap between domestic excellence and international opportunity in Indian cricket.
If merit is truly the measure, Sarfaraz Khan should be given his fair share of chances to shine in Team India colors.
FAQ’s
Why has Sarfaraz Khan not played regularly for India?
Despite his excellent domestic form, he faces tough competition and selection biases. Many believe the BCCI has overlooked him for reasons beyond performance.
Has Sarfaraz Khan performed well in international cricket?
Yes. He scored twin fifties on his Test debut against England in 2024 and has shown good temperament, but hasn’t been given enough games to prove consistency.
Why do some say BCCI doesn’t like him?
Fans point to repeated exclusions, delayed selection, and administrative oversights as evidence that the board is indifferent toward him.
What about his fitness concerns?
Sarfaraz has worked hard on his fitness, losing nearly 17 kg. However, he is still unfairly targeted over physique despite meeting performance standards.
What should Sarfaraz do next?
He needs to continue dominating domestic cricket, stay in peak fitness, and make the most of every chance he gets for India or India A to prove his long-term value.