Azhar Ali named Pakistan skipper

Pakistan Cricket Board has named Azhar Ali as the new one day international captain and wicket-keeper Sarfraz Ahmed as his deputy.

Azhar will also serve as the vice-captain to Misbah-ul-Haq in test matches while Sarfraz will be the number two to Shahid Afridi in T-20 format.

Azhar has played 14 ODIs and has scored 452 runs at an average of 41.09. Even though the last match that he played in 50 over format was back in January 2013, he has been a regular feature of test side and has been one of the more consistent performers. It might be because of his calm temperament and steady performances that he has been considered a suitable replacement for outgoing Misbah.

Sarfraz, who broke into the side in 2014, has since impressed with his performances in both tests and ODIs. His stint at the world cup further enhanced his reputation as an attacking player.

In some other changes, the selection committee was also disbanded and replaced by a new one which will be headed by ex-cricketer Haroon Rasheed.