Younis had been offered the role on two previous occasions but had turned it down. Questions were being asked of Malik after the disastrous series capitulation against Sri Lanka where he also criticised Shoaib Akhtar publicly and continued his unwithering support of the struggling Kamran Akmal. It was understood that a number of players, mostly senior, were not happy with Malik’s captaincy under which the dressing room became increasingly divided. Mohammad Yusuf has previously publicly criticised Malik and his respect of senior players.

It is easy to be critical of Malik’s tenure yet we must remember that he was the only choice at the time he was made captain because of the refusal of the very man that now replaces him. Had Younis not been so overly sensitive and fussy on the previous occasion the job was offered to him, then Pakistan cricket, or the team at least, would be in a much more stable place right now. Also, in a culture where seniority is akin to superiority, the young Malik was always going to have a battle on his hands.

It was said that Younis had previously declined the captaincy because of the lack of power he would have had at his disposal, yet on the last occasion he declined, he was quoted as saying “They offered me the captaincy with full powers,” He said. “The PCB said they would also be appointing a strong selection committee to back me up. But I refused after thanking them for their offer.”

This time around also, a friend of Younis Khan’s  was quoted as saying that Younis wants to lead on his own terms. This may point to future problems surfacing when the captain and selectors differ on selection and other issues so it will be right to assume that the ride for Younis may not be as smooth as he would probably like. One can only hope that he matures in the role and becomes more diplomatic and less head-long and hasty in his decision making. He must realise his responsibility and accept that criticism will always be there and as the captain, he must bear the brunt of it.

For what now lies ahead, it will be interesting to see if Malik retains his place in the team. As for Younis, what will his views be on the selection of certain players like Akmal and Akhtar and those banned because of the ICL. Let’s hope he can get the aggressiveness and bravery of a Pathan to resonate throughout the whole team and bring some much needed consistency into the performances.