The PCB chairman, Shaharyar Khan, has decided to appoint Azhar Ali as captain of Pakistan's ODI side. Azhar, who was not a member of Pakistan's World Cup squad and has not played an ODI for two years, will succeed Misbah-ul-Haq after his retirement from the format.

The PCB is also set to create a new four-member selection committee, with former batsman Haroon Rasheed as the new chief selector. That would mean the end of Moin Khan's time in the role, after he was called home from the World Cup for visiting a casino. The PCB is expected to announce details on Monday, after the board endorses the changes.

Azhar has only played 14 ODIs and last featured in January 2013, despite an average of 41.09. The 30-year-old is a regular in the Test XI, providing a steadying influence at No. 3. His deputy will be Sarfraz Ahmed, the wicketkeeper batsman, who is also expected to become vice-captain to Shahid Afridi in T20.

This is not the first time Azhar has been considered for the Pakistan captaincy. In 2010 he was seen as potential candidate to take over after the spot-fixing saga, despite having only made his debut that year, but then chairman Ijaz Butt chose Misbah on the basis of experience.

Both Misbah and the coach, Waqar Younis, preferred Azhar for the one-day job because he is seen as a safe, unproblematic choice, as well as a sensible batsman. He has smooth relationships with fellow players and the board. Azhar has also captained at various levels in Pakistan.

Courtesy: ESPN