LONDON, July 17 (PTI): Salman Butt today became the seventh Pakistan Test captain in three years after being handed the job for the second game against Australia and the subsequent four-match series against England.
Shahid Afridi, who made a dramatic announcement yesterday to quit the five-day game after captaining his side to a 150-run loss to Australia in the first Test, has been released from the squad. The temperamental all-rounder has been struggling with a side strain and will not play against Australia in the second match starting at Headingley from July 21.
In a statement issued after Board chief Ijaz Butt�s meeting with team management and senior players, the PCB said wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal would be Butt�s deputy for the second Test against Australia and subsequently against England.
�Salman Butt was appointed as captain of Pakistan Test team for the 2nd Test match against Australia and the four Test matches against England,� the PCB statement said.
�Kamran Akmal was appointed as vice-captain for the remaining five Test matches on England tour. All players confirmed their full support to the newly appointed captain and vice-captain,� it added.
The meeting also discussed whether former captains Younus Khan and Mohammad Yousuf should be drafted in to lend experience to the side but decided to defer the matter.
