Shoaib Malik appointed new captain of Pakistan cricket team

Lahore, Apr 19 (UNI) Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik was today named as the new captain of the national cricket team, following the resignation of Inzamam-ul-Haq in the wake of a disastrous World Cup campaign.

While announcing the decision at a press conference here, Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Nasim Ashraf said, ''Shoaib is the best choice for Pakistan team's captaincy. He has been appointed as captain with the future of Pakistan cricket in mind.'' The PCB Chairman also added that Shoaib, who has played 18 tests and 137 one-day internationals, will hold the position for both test and one-day squads untill the end of the year.

The 25-year-old all-rounder's first assignment will be a three-match one-day series against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi next month.

Meanwhile, the PCB has also named Talat Ali as the team manager for a fixed tenure of two years.

UNI