The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Malik asserts he has authority

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Sunday, May 13, 2007
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Malik asserts he has authority

Shoaib Malik. — FILE PHOTO: AP

Karachi: Dispelling the impression that the Pakistan Cricket Board has rendered him powerless, newly appointed Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik asserted that he has been given the full authority needed to lead the team.

The Pakistan Cricket Board had earlier stripped captains of the power to have the final call in team selections while on tour. The Board said this was done to prevent a skipper from becoming all-powerful like Inzamam-ul-Haq.

No problems

However, Malik said he had no problem with the Board's decision.

``I know I have powers and the Board and the Chairman have assured me of this. I have as much authority as a captain should have. So I am satisfied with the situation,'' Malik said at the National training camp in Lahore on Saturday.

The Pakistan team is preparing for the three match one-day series against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi due to be played on May 18, 20 and 22.

Malik said the PCB had made it clear that the captain would be the sole authority on the field.

``I am not powerless. This is a wrong impression. I can take decisions and I have the full support of the Board, players and selectors,'' he said.

Not an easy task

Speaking about the impact of Inzamam's retirement on the team, Malik said it would not be easy to replace someone of the experience and calibre of the former captain.

``But the fact is that he has decided to retire. And we have to start grooming a replacement in the middle order for the future. We are going to try out several players in the coming assignments but obviously we will miss Inzamam's experience,'' he said.

Malik also said that he was already feeling comfortable in his new role.

``But the litmus test for me will come in the matches. I am very keen on also contributing as a player to the team's success. That helps you become a more confident captain,'' he noted.

Good experience

Speaking about the Abu Dhabi tri-series, Malik said playing Sri Lanka would be a good experience after the disappointment of the World Cup.

``Sri Lanka has a lot of depth in their team and reserve talent so we should have a good and close contest in all three games.'' — PTI

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