Ashraf says captaincy to Misbah for Champions Trophy
Any
threat to the test and one day captaincy of Misbah-ul-Haq had dissipated by the
chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Zaka Ashraf during a meeting with the
players in Johannesburg.
Ashraf,
who met players and team management during a visit to Johannesburg to watch the
final one-day international between Pakistan and South Africa, Misbah said that
he remains as captain for the Champions Trophy in England in June and be
prepared for the
challenge.
"Misbah
said before the final game should not worry about his captaincy and place in the
team as he leads the team in the Champions Trophy and he just needs to focus on
trying to win one-day series against South Africa," said a Source.
The
source said Ashraf had also praised the players for their comeback in the ODI
series, but made clear that no player - senior or junior - to take his place for
granted.
Ashraf
also added that the board was giving them all facilities and incentives, so also
expect to pay with good performances.
A
lobby in the Pakistan cricket community had been insisting that Misbah tenure as
captain and player one day was over and it would be replaced by Muhammad Hafeez
as skipper for the Champions Trophy.
But
the source insisted that from the moment Misbah returned to form in the one-day
series, he was more sure of himself and of his captaincy.
The
source said Ashraf had also discussed the appointment of a permanent batting
coach assured the team that the coach would be appointed before the Champions
Trophy.
"The
technical committee has been told to revive and fast track your search and
recommend candidates for the post of batting coach. Names of some of the former
Pakistan players, including Zaheer Abbas is also being considered for the
position" said the source.
The
council has appointed former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq as batting consultant to
work with the players before the team went to India for the one-day series in
December.
Inzamam
also wanted to send the team to South Africa, but later dropped the plan after
failing to reach an agreement with former captain, who had demanded a two-year
contract and fees equivalent to what is paid to coach Dav
Whatmore.
The
source said the national selection committee has also been asked to continue
until the Champions Trophy.
"The
board has informed the selectors that will select the squad for the Champions
Trophy even though his term had ended the tour of South Africa," said the
source.
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