Azhar Ali retained as a ODI captain for the series against West Indies

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) retained Azhar Ali as a captain for series against West Indies in UAE which is starting from 30 September.

The captaincy of Pakistan’s ODI captain Azhar Ali came under inquiry after the 4-1 series defeat against England, reports were suggesting that Azhar Ali would either quit or would be sacked from ODI captaincy.

Earlier the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket board Shahryar Khan had also said the board would discuss the Azhar Ali’s role as the captain of Pakistan Cricket team once the team will return to home.

But now the PCB has confirmed that there will be no change in captaincy of Pakistan ODI side and Azhar Ali will continue to lead Pakistan ODI side in series against Caribbean in UAE later this month. Azhar Ali scored 208 runs in 5 matches vs England with average of 41.60 and strike rate of 77.61.

On the other hand unfit opening batsman Mohammad Hafeez has been dropped from the 22-member preliminary list made by the selection committee led by former Pakistan captain Inzimam ul Haq. Young opener Sami Aslam and the fast bowler Umar Gul also failed to maintain their place in the preliminary squad. Left arm fast bowler Ruman Raees and middle order batsman Umar Akmal have been included in the preliminary list.

Unfit fast bowler Mohammd Irfan has been named in the 22-member preliminary squad. Pakistan to play 3 tests, 5 Odis and 3 T20is against West Indies in UAE.