Pakistan have sacked Sarfaraz Ahmed as their captain across all formats, naming Azhar Ali as the new Test skipper ahead of their two-match tour of Australia.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Sarfaraz's struggles with his form have also prompted selectors to drop the wicketkeeper-batsman from both formats.
"It has been a difficult decision to drop Sarfaraz Ahmed, who has performed well as a player and a leader," Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ehsan Mani said on Friday in a statement.
"But, his loss in form and confidence is visible and, in the best interest of the team, it has been decided to leave him out and provide him the opportunity to reflect and regroup himself and try to reclaim his form away from international cricket."
Pakistan under Sarfaraz failed to make the knockout stage in this year's 50-over World Cup. They languish at seventh in the Test rankings.
Babar Azam would captain the Twenty20 squad, while a new ODI skipper would be named later, the PCB said.
Azhar, quitting in 2017 as ODI captain, will begin his stint with a two-Test series in Australia, starting on November 21 in Brisbane, before Pakistan host Sri Lanka and Bangladesh for two Tests apiece.
"There is no bigger honour than to captain the Pakistan national cricket team in the pinnacle format of the game," said Azhar. He will have former teammate Misbah-ul-Haq as coach and chief selector.
"These are exciting times in Pakistan cricket with a new team management. As a captain, I feel comfortable that there will be a number of knowledgeable people in the hut who I can rely for advice and guidance.
"I am not only targeting wins, but also aim to provide opportunities to players to grow in stature and express themselves so that Pakistan cricket can resume its journey to the top."
Australian Associated Press
