LONDON: 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.