Salman Butt to lead Pakistan

LONDON: Salman Butt was appointed Pakistan’s new Test captain by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday after Shahid Afridi’s decision to quit Test cricket.
Butt, who was serving as Afridi’s deputy in the first Test against Australia at Lord’s, will lead Pakistan in the second Test at Headingly, as well as the series against England.
Wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal will be the vice-captain during the remaining matches.
The appointment came after PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt convened a meeting with manager Yawar Saeed, coach Waqar Younis, associate manager Shafqat Rana, Salman Butt, Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal and Umar Gul.
Media reports suggested the board might consider recalling former captains Mohammad Yousuf and Younis Khan, which also came under discussion during the meeting.
“The matter regarding Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf’s inclusion in the team was also discussed but was deferred,” a PCB statement said.
The PCB statement also added that ‘all players confirmed their full support to the newly appointed captain and vice-captain.
Shahid Afridi announced his retirement from Test cricket after Pakistan lost the first match against Australia on Friday.

Courtesy of dawn.com