Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shahryar Khan officially announced on Monday batsman Azhar Ali has been named Misbahul Haq’s successor as ODI captain.

“In view of his character, leadership and team spirit, the decision has been made to make Azhar new ODI captain,” he said, while addressing a press conference in Lahore on Monday afternoon.

The PCB chairman added he has made the decision after weighing both positive and negative aspects of making Azhar the captain.

Azhar has scored 452 runs in 14 outings at an average of 41.09 in the 50-over format and was tipped to be the new captain by outgoing skipper Misbahul Haq and head coach Waqar Younis. However, he has not played an ODI in more than two years.

While Misbahul Haq remains to be the captain in Test format of the game, wicket-keeper Sarfaraz Ahmed has been named vice-captain in ODIs and T20s.

“Sarfaraz will be the vice-captain of Test and T20s as well,” he said. “He is full of spirit and has a fighting character.”

Explaining his decision the PCB chairman said it was made in light of our ‘culture.’

Further, Shahid Afridi will continue to serve as the T20 captain.

Meanwhile, Moin Khan has been removed as team selector and will be replaced by former cricketer and team manager, Haroon Rashid.
(The Express Tribune)