Misbah to replace Afridi as Pak ODI captain

ISLAMABAD, May 19 (AFP): Pakistan cricket chief Ijaz Butt appointed Misbah-ul-Haq Thursday to replace Shahid Afridi as one-day captain for a two-match series against Ireland this month. Butt said Afridi will play as an ordinary member of the team despite leading Pakistan to a 3-2 one-day series win over the West Indies earlier this month. The switch is likely to be seen as punishment for Afridi's public criticism of coach Waqar Younis' alleged interference in team selection. "Misbah will lead Pakistan in the two matches against Ireland and Afridi will play as a member (of the team) only," the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman told a news conference. Ireland hosts Pakistan for two matches on May 28 and 30. The 31-year-old Afridi took over as Pakistan captain last year and guided the team to the World Cup semi-final where they lost to India -- who went on to win the final -- in March. After the series against the West Indies, Afridi accused Waqar of meddling in team selection upon his return home on May 9.