The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had approached Younus
Khan to captain Pakistan in limited-overs in order to reduce the
workload on Misbahul Haq but the former captain declined the request,
insisting on need to concentrate on his batting and his desire to stay
away from controversies.
The move was part of PCB’s move to either groom a young captain or
fill the void left by the retirement of all-rounder Shahid Afridi. The
board, following Younus’ refusal, has decided to keep Misbah as captain
for the next three series even if the middle-order batsman fails to
maintain his performance.
Younus’ refusal did not come as a surprise as the batsman, who led
Pakistan to the 2009 World Twenty20 title before retiring from the
format altogether, stepped down as the One-Day International and Test
captain later that year citing the lack of backing from teammates.
He was recalled to the side midway through the tour of Australia but,
by the integrity committee formed after Pakistan’s winless tour, was
fined and banned indefinitely for creating disharmony in the dressing
room.
He was then overlooked for the tour of England but earnt yet another
recall — the series against South Africa in the UAE and has been a
regular since then.
“Younus was asked to become limited-overs captain but he refused the
offer straightway,” a top PCB official told The Express Tribune. “He
said he just wanted to focus on his batting and was not ready to take
captaincy as his wish was to stay away from controversies.
“We respect his feelings and won’t be forcing him to take the job.
The board has now decided to rely on Misbah with the hope that he will
perform and stay fit for a longer period. At least, he will be
captaining the series against Sri Lanka and England in all formats.”
Malik not a contender
Meanwhile, in a reply to reports surfacing speculating another former
captain Shoaib Malik to not only make a quick comeback to the national
squad but also be appointed limited-overs captain, the official said
that the PCB had not planned any such action.
“There are no such plans as yet. The possibility of Malik being named captain has not been discussed by the PCB’s think tank.”
Malik yet to provide remaining documents
A PCB official also added that the former captain fell short of
providing a couple of important documents related to his bank accounts
which denied him instant clearance in a hearing earlier this week.
“Malik provided around 90 per cent of the sought documents. He
failed to submit a couple which delayed the verdict. Although the
documents were not that important, the integrity committee cannot pass
judgment on basis of incomplete documents and that is why he wasn’t
cleared.”
New By : Express Tribune
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