The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are set to name Azhar Ali as Pakistan’s new ODI captain, replacing Misbah-ul-Haq who retired from the format after the 2015 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand and Australia.
The 30-year-old Azhar played the last of his 14 ODIs for Pakistan back in 2013 and scored a total of 452 runs in those matches.
The PCB are also likely to appoint man of the moment Sarfaraz Ahmed as Azhar’s deputy and see Sarfraz as Ali’s ultimate heir.
“Top brass of PCB feels that the combination of Azhar and Sarfaraz as ODI captain and vice captain is perfect moving ahead and both would complement each other well,” a PCB official said.
“Misbah was like a pillar for team and after his absence, we need someone who can provide that stability in the middle-order and calm and composed skipper. Azhar is certainly someone like Misbah because he is very calm, assured and educated as well.”
Meanwhile, the official added that Sarfaraz’s time will come to lead the ODI team and the role of vice captain will provide valuable experience in the long run.
Sarfraz was one of the stars of World Cup for Pakistan, picking up back-to-back man of the match awards in his first two outings against South Africa and Ireland.
“Sarfaraz is certainly the present and future of Pakistan but PCB feels that he needs more time and thus we don’t want to overburden him with captaincy which could affect his performances. He is a key player right now and we’ll be loathe to see a dip in his performance due to burden and expectations of leadership,” the source added.
Pakistan exited the World Cup at the quarter-final stage after losing to finalists Australia.
