Malek may lead Pakistan against India

Abu Dhabi: Shoaib Malek is likely to be appointed as the skipper of the Pakistan team for the Indian series. The series victory over West Indies in the Fortune Cup has strengthened his chances for another term as captain.

Malek was appointed as captain only till the end of December 2008 and the series against India will commence in January.

Salim Altaf, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Operating Officer, answering to a query whether Malek's captaincy will be extended, said: "There has been a minor discussion about the captaincy in the last PCB meeting. The next meeting scheduled to be held in the third week of December will take a final decision. He may get the nod or they may think otherwise."

However, Malek is positive and has decided not be affected by the debate on whether his term will be extended.

"I always take it in a positive way. I've always try hard to the best of my strength for my country. My aim is to see my country ranked No 1 or No 2 and I have been working hard towards it," he said.

Good team effort

Malek is delighted that all the players have put in a good effort to ensure a victory for his team here. "All my players have put full effort to win here. To beat the West Indies, despite missing international cricket for a long time, is a real boost. This series victory has lifted the morale of the team especially before the Indian series," he said.

Malek is also happy with the manner in which his players have responded to team strategy.

"In the second match, our total was small but we knew that they heavily depend on Chris Gayle. We planned to get Gayle out early and did it. We also did well in saving boundaries as planned," strengthening his claim for another term as captain.