KARACHI: Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Lahore Qalandars removed Azhar Ali as captain of the side and appointed Kiwi player Brendon McCullum to lead the team in the second edition of PSL.

The announcement in this regard was made by Lahore Qalandars' Director Cricket Operations Aqib Javed on Thursday.

McCullum will not only lead in side but will also serve as a batting mentor for the franchise. "McCullum along with leading the side, will also be the batting mentor for Lahore Qalandars," said Javed.

The former fast bowler, while addressing a press conference, said the decision to remove Azhar Ali from captaincy will not affect his ability to lead the national side since he does not represent Pakistan in the T20 format.

"We have taken this decision to improve and enhance the chances to perform better in the second edition of PSL — which is scheduled in February next year," he added.

Javed, however, stated that there is no comparison between Azhar and McCullum. Azhar will still remain to be the part of Lahore Qalandars.

Lahore Qalandars also tweeted this decision on twitter with a video message from McCullum.

"McCullum is one of the best captains of the world and now we will consult our new captain before entering the drafts of PSL to pick new team and structure of Lahore Qalandars."

In the first edition of the PSL, Lahore Qalandars just managed to win two games out of their eight under Azhar's captaincy.