Karachi: Inexperienced top-order batsman Azhar Ali was on Monday named as the new Pakistan ODI captain in a surprise move by the cricket Board, succeeding Misbah-ul-Haq who retired from the 50-over format after the cricket World Cup.
30-year-old Azhar has played just 14 ODIs since his debut in 2010 and his choice over the likes of Muhammad Hafeez, Fawad Alam, Sarfraz Ahmed, Sohaib Maqsood and veteran batsman Younis Khan has come as a big surprise as he was not even picked in the World Cup squad. He has played in 39 Tests.
Azhar, who has not played a one-day international since January 2013, was also named as vice-captain to Misbah-ul-Haq in the Test side while wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed would be the ODI and T20 vice-captain. Shahid Afridi will be the captain of the T20 side.
Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Shaharyar Khan also introduced Haroon Rasheed as the new chief selector in place of Moin Khan at a media conference in Lahore.
Announcing the Board’s determination to learn from the World Cup experience, Shaharyar Khan praised Misbah and Afridi for their contribution to Pakistan cricket. Both Misbah and Afridi have announced their retirements from one-day cricket after the World Cup.
“I congratulate Misbah and Afridi on their retirements from one-day cricket after giving so much service to Pakistan,” Khan said.
Azhar pointed out that he had played a lot of domestic matches and also had experience of leading his departmental side. (PTI)
