Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed Mohammad Hafeez in place of Misbah ul Haq as the captain of the T20 squad for the upcoming tour to Sri Lanka.
While Misbah would continue to lead the Pakistan side in Tests and ODIs, Hafeez will also be his deputy in the two formats.
Former captains Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik were in contention for captaining the T20 side but PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf has indicated that they were looking at a long-term option.
“Misbah has rendered great service to Pakistan cricket but we felt it is time to appoint someone younger for T20 format,” Ashraf told a press conference, here on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Misbah-ul-Haq made it clear that he was not happy at being removed as captain and player of the national T20 squad and said he would continue to play in the format at the domestic level.
“It is the board’s and selectors’ decision about me and T20 cricket but I feel that I can play in this format and will continue to do so at the domestic level,” Misbah told reporters here.
“I will be playing in the T20 events organised in Pakistan including the planned premier league and if the selectors ever feel I can play for the national team I am available,” he said.
The seasoned batsman who has been retained as captain of the Test and ODI squads with the new T20 captain, Mohammad Hafeez appointed as his vice-captain, said he still has a lot to give to Pakistan cricket.
“I have the responsibility of leading Pakistan in Tests and ODIs and it is a tough challenge for me. I need to remain focussed on these formats. I don’t think me being dropped from the T20 squad will affect my focus or job,” Misbah said. (PTI)