The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named all-rounder Shoaib Malik as captain of the national team following the resignation of Inzamam-ul-Haq in the wake of the side’s early World Cup exit.
The 25-year-old, who has played in 18 Tests and 137 one-day internationals, was handed the role until the end of the year for the Test and one-day squads.
His first assignment is expected to be a three-match one-day series against Sri Lanka scheduled for next month.
”Malik has been appointed as captain with the future of Pakistan cricket in mind,” PCB chairperson Dr Nasim Asraf told reporters on Thursday.
The board overlooked senior batsman Mohammad Yousuf for the post, which was also offered to and turned down by Younis Khan earlier this month.
Younis, who had acted as Inzamam’s deputy since 2005, citied personal reasons and stress for his decision.
Last month, Pakistan were eliminated from the World Cup after losing their first two games against the West Indies and debutants Ireland.
One day after the second defeat, their coach, Bob Woolmer, died in Kingston in Jamaica, which police are treating as murder caused by strangulation.
Ashraf added that former Test player Talat Ali would remain as manager for the next two years in recognition of the efficient manner in which he handled matters in the wake of the 58-year-old Briton’s death.
A new selection committee headed by former Test player Salahuddin Ahmed has already been named by the board as part of its rebuilding process after the World Cup.
Ashraf also said the board had decided unanimously that a strict code of conduct would be enforced on the team.
”There will be no compromise on discipline at all. The selectors have also been told to select only those players who are 100% fit,” he said.
He said the presence of a senior official like Talat would help Malik settle quickly into his new role.
”We are hopeful Malik will handle this challenge well.”
Ashraf said no decision had yet been made regarding a new coach or vice-captain. — Reuters