PCB may replace skipper Shoaib Malik for 'failing to inspire team' in Asia Cup

Karachi, July 10 (ANI): Following Pakistan's dismal performance in the just concluded Asia Cup, the PCB is reportedly mulling over bringing about a change in team leadership.

Most of the senior PCB officials are not supporting skipper Shoaib Malik following his "inability to inspire" his teammates at the Asia Cup, as a result of which the hosts failed to qualify for the Final.

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Vice-captain Misbah-ul-Haq seems to be the most obvious replacement, as he led Pakistan to a comprehensive win over India in a Super Four game which Malik skipped because of 'fitness problems'.

According to The News, the PCB has received complaints that Malik had a tendency of backing "players who were close to him" rather than picking teammates on the basis of their utility. A senior PCB official said that all such reports were being carefully monitored by the Board. "We believe in continuity but not if it comes at the expense of the (national) team's cause. The Board is considering other options and you may see a change in case a consensus develops over the captaincy issue," the paper quoted him as saying.

PCB's think-tank is pushing for a change in leadership in the Pakistan team, said the paper and added After Pakistan's Asia Cup exit, there were strong rumours in the national cricket circles that the PCB will hold Malik accountable for the Asia Cup debacle and will replace him with some other senior player.

But, PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf seems to be favouring Malik, as he said that that the Board had appointed Malik for a two-year term and will continue backing him.

Malik was appointed as Pakistan captain after last year's disastrous World Cup in the Caribbean. He started off well by leading Pakistan to an ODI series win against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi and later his side reached the final of the inaugural World Twenty20 Championship in South Africa. But under Malik, Pakistan lost in both the Test and ODI series against South Africa at home and suffered similar defeats on the tour of India last year. Pakistan's Asia Cup defeat is yet another disappointment that has come under Malik's tenure as captain. (ANI)