Malik, who was omitted in favour of youth for the first Test at Lord’s, was first appointed captain in April 2007 following Pakistan’s first-round exit in the 50-over World Cup. However, after impressive results against minnows and poor show against potent opposition, Malik was eventually replaced by Younus Khan with his stained relationship with seniors deemed integral to his downfall.
Lawson, sacked as coach after only year-and-a-half into his two-year contract, reckoned that Malik was handed captaincy too early in the past and given that the current squad is full of youngsters, Pakistan has no choice but to rename Malik as captain.
“It might’ve been premature to name him captain then,” Lawson told The Express Tribune following Pakistan’s 150-run loss at Lord’s. “But three years on, he’s certainly capable of being captain again. To me, he’s the obvious choice. He’s well respected by the younger players and the seniors that had problems with him aren’t in the team.
“In 2007, he was a reluctant captain. He was young and wanted to concentrate on his cricket. Now he’s matured and given Pakistan’s penchant for changing captains regularly, I’d say you should give it to him and move forward.”
Malik led Pakistan in three Tests but was unable to win any of them. Of the 36 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) he captained Pakistan in, they won 24, including a record 12 consecutive wins. Malik was also incharge of the team in the inaugural World Twenty20 where Pakistan agonisingly fell short of the target in the final against India.
“Malik did a good job as captain and at that time he was learning how to lead a side. He was taking the right steps in the right direction and if he’s named as Afridi’s successor, I don’t think it’ll be a step backwards by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).”
Lawson also showed apprehension in the board’s decision to name Butt, Afridi’s deputy, as the Test captain. Butt, who scored 63 and 92 in the first Test, was lauded by Afridi in the post-match press conference but Lawson wanted the PCB not to appoint the opener as captain for the sake of his career.
“Butt’s a good choice as vice-captain but he’s years away from being a captain. I would’ve let him concentrate on his batting because he’s probably the best batsman they have right now. He has captaincy potential but throwing him in at this stage will crucify him.”
Published in The Express Tribune, July 18th, 2010.
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