Inzamam calls for one captain in all three formats
LAHORE: Pakistan chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq on Friday indirectly advised Test skipper Misbah-ul-Haq to leave captaincy for a man who can lead the team in all three formats.
Talking to reporters at a local function in the wake of the national team’s disastrous tours of Australia and New Zealand, Inzamam said Misbah was in the “best position” to decide his future.
“I haven’t given any advice to the PCB over the captaincy issue but I think the perfect man for the job is one who can lead in all three formats,” the former batting great said.
“Misbah is a very intelligent man and he is in the best position to take a decision about his future.”
Misbah’s advancing years have seen a lot of criticism heaped on him.
However, apart for the tours of New Zealand and Australia — where Pakistan were whitewashed 2-0 and 3-0 in Tests respectively — the 42-year-old has been Pakistan’s shining star since being appointed captain six years ago.
He inspired Pakistan to the top of the ICC Test team rankings for the first time in history last year.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) — following a common practice in the cricketing world — has appointed different captains for all three formats of the game.
Pakistan didn’t fare any better in the ODI series Down Under, losing 4-1.
“We took several steps before sending the team to New Zealand and Australia and sent the best bunch of players,” Inzamam said, defending his selection.
“Fitness remains a problem for the team and we’re taking steps to improve it.”
Inzamam added that while he was independent as a chief selector, he does consult the team management before picking players.
The chief selector also defended sending all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez prior to the start of the ODI series against the Aussies.
“He was the best player of the national one-day tournament,” Inzamam said, adding they needed to make big changes to rraise a formidable team in all three formats.
He was also looking forward to the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which runs from February 9 to March 5.
“It will give us the opportunity to check out the best players and select a good team for the tour of the West Indies,” he added.
Published in Dawn, January 28th, 2017