Azhar to remain ODI captain, confirms PCB

Board's chief operating officer corroborates the decision regarding 31-year-old batsman

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to keep Azhar Ali as captain of the national team’s ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against the West Indies in UAE, Express News reported on Monday.

PCB’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) Subhan Ahmed confirmed the board’s decision regarding the 31-year-old batsman. “The selection committee has the right to select a captain in any format, but Azhar will lead the national side in the upcoming series,” he said.

Azhar took over the captaincy after the 2015 World Cup and during his tenure Pakistan have only managed to defeat Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and Ireland.



Meanwhile, the Men in Green are currently ranked ninth in ODIs with 86 points, their lowest ever tally since the ranking system was introduced in 2001.

Earlier, it was reported that Azhar might resign following Pakistan’s ODI series defeat against England.



The ODI series against the West Indies will commence from September 30, with the other two matches set to be played on October 2 and 5 respectively.

Regarding farewell of former T20I captain Shahid Afridi and veteran off-spinner Saeed Ajmal, Ahmed said that the board will take a decision after meeting with both players on September 26.