From rxpgnews.com
Shoaib Malik tipped to be next Pakistan captain
By IANS,
Apr 15, 2007 - 3:42:59 PM
Lahore, April 15 - All-rounder Shoaib Malik is being tipped to be the new Pakistan captain amid reports that the country's cricket board is determined to get rid of ageing seniors in a bid to root out player-power.
After vice-captain Younis Khan's refusal to lead Pakistan this week Malik has emerged as top candidate for the challenging job, the Dawn reported Sunday.
The newspaper quoting sources said the Pakistan Cricket Board - chief Nasim Ashraf also considered the option of maverick pacer Shoaib Akhtar for leading the team but his chequered career record and unpredictable attitude has outweighed his talent for the coveted position.
Young Malik made headlines a couple of years back while leading the Sialkot Stallions when he deliberately threw a national Twenty20 match to Karachi Dolphins.
He later admitted and apologized for his action, which he said was done to prevent the Lahore from entering the final through some absurd rule. His leadership qualities, however, have been at the forefront in domestic competitions and his growing reputation as crisis-tackler for Pakistan has only strengthened his position.
As far as new coach of the team is concerned, though Aaqib Javed had offered his services, the Pakistan Academy team's performance under his coaching in the ongoing tour of Bangladesh does not speak well for his case, sources said.
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