Yousuf replaces Younis as Pak skipper

Zeecric Bureau

Karachi: Pakistan Cricket Board today announced veteran middle-order Mohammad Yousuf as the captain of the cricket team for the forthcoming Test series versus the New Zealand.

The development is latest in a series of mystifying events that have surrounded the post of captaincy in Pakistan cricket.

PCB chairman Ejaz Butt sought to downplay the episode saying that the change was effected as Younis Khan had sought a break from cricket following the ODI series defeat to New Zealand in Abu Dhabi.

Younus Khan, who led Pakistan to T20 World victory, has been embroiled in controversy ever since.

He had resigned in disgust last months after Pakistan’s sports committee member accused Pakistan of match-fixing at the ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa.

Following a massive public outcry, his resignation was rejected by Ejaz Butt who also ceded to Younis’ request by appointing him as captain till the 2011 World Cup.

However, his stocks apparently dipped after losing to New Zealand in a 3-match ODI series. Defeat also sparked criticism of Younis` captaincy and media reports suggested he had lost the confidence of his players.

Meanwhile, Wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal will be the new vice captain of Pakistan Test team.

New Zealand and Pakistan play two Twenty20 internationals on Wednesday and Thursday and Pakistan leave for New Zealand on Sunday for the Test series.