Misbah has no desire to lead Pakistan

Lahore, Sep 2 (UNI) Stung by reports that senior members of the national side are lobbying for Shoaib Malik's ouster as captain, Pakistan vice-captain Misbah-ul-Haq has downplayed any such suggestions and said he does not have any desire to lead the team.

Misbah, who has become the backbone of the Pakistan team in recent years, said his current objective is to play and play well for the team and is more keen to improve his batting skills.

''Obviously leadership brings extra load of responsibility and I am enjoying my present status of vice captain in the team,'' he said here today.

It was Misbah's consistent performance that helped Pakistan reach the semi-finals of the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa and from there on he emerged as a strong pillar of his team which has seen many controversies over the past one year.

''I know it is a great honour to be the captain of the team but I feel contended the way I am,'' he asserted.

A series of poor performances by Pakistan under the leadership of Shoaib Malik has propelled the national selectors to think about his replacement.

Misbah has emerged as a likely contender along with Younis Khan who had earlier refused to take up the captaincy with Shahid Afridi too in the race.

However, Misbah's refusal has paved the way for Younis and Afridi who both are in a desperate race to become the captain.

Sources close to Pakistani team claimed that Younis has started lobbying hard to take over from Shoaib.

Younis is said to be in constant touch with PCB authorities and selectors, specially the chief selector who has always given him preference, to plead his case as the next captain of the national side.

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