Karachi: Pakistan made it three skippers for three different formats with Mohammad Yousuf being named skipper for the test series against New Zealand after Younis Khan asked for a break from international cricket.

“That is why the board has decided to appoint Yousuf as captain and wicketkeeper, Kamran Akmal as vice captain for the Test tour,” a Pakistan Cricket Board spokesman said. Pakistan starts the first Test in New Zealand on November 24.

The announcement comes after Pakistan lost the ODI series against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi amidst growing criticism of Younis’s poor batting form and him having lost confidence among the players. The decision effectively confirmed the rumours and signaled a victory of players over an unpopular captain.

“I met the chairman today and told him I needed to rest,” Younis told Cricinfo. “I told him I feel as If I have no command over this team. And if a leadership has no command over its players, what is the point of continuing to lead? I also told him that the last 3-4 months have been  trying times for me, not just with the cricket but all that has happened outside it. I need time to get myself together now.”

He survived a revolt after the Champions Trophy in October when a group of senior players complained to board chairman Ejaz Butt about his attitude towards them. But the board rejected their demands and didn’t accept Younis’s resignation, asking him to continue as captain until the next World Cup in 2011.

However, on Wednesday, Butt told the Geo Super television channel, “Younis has taken the correct decision at this time to take a break from international cricket. The decision to appoint Yousuf as captain for the New Zealand series has been taken in the best interests of Pakistan cricket.”

Yousuf, 35, is the seniormost player in the team, having played 82 Tests and 278 one-day internationals. He rejoined the Pakistan team on the Test tour of Sri Lanka in July-August after having resigned from the rebel Indian Cricket League in which he played for one season.

Former Pakistan player and captain Inzamam-ul-Haq said the board should appoint Yousuf as skipper on a long-term basis. “He is a very senior and respected player in the side and it is unfair to name him captain for one series only. I think it is best if Younis first regain his form and place in the team,” he told Reuters.

Inzamam added that he was not surprised by Younis’s decision as he also had experienced a group of players who were unhappy with him. “It becomes difficult for a captain to infuse a fighting spirit in the team once he loses confidence of his players,” said Inzamam.

Tagged with: Ejaz Butt, Indian Cricket League, Inzamam Ul Haq, Karachi, Mohammad Yousuf, New Zealand, Pakistan, Younis Khan

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