LAHORE - Former Pakistan cricket greats on Wednesday welcomed new captain Younis Khan and termed his appointment as a chance to revive team fortunes. The Pakistan Cricket Board Tuesday replaced Malik with senior batsman Younis following the home team's 234-run mauling at the hands of Sri Lanka, which gave the visiting side a 2-1 series win. Former captain Imran Khan said Younis commands respect. "Younis has one big advantage over others in that he is the best batsman in the team and is respected by fellow players because he gives his best and can demand the same from others," Imran said. But Imran, who led Pakistan to their only World Cup triumph in Australia in 1992, criticised indefinite appointments. "I was the most successful captain but was never appointed for more than one series. I think a captain should be judged after every series," said Khan, who led Pakistan in 48 Tests and 139 One-Day Internationals. Former captain Inzamam-ul Haq said Malik had not lived up to the expectations. "Malik failed to handle the players in the team," said Inzamam, who was replaced by Malik after Pakistan's first-round exit from the 2007 World Cup. "Good captaincy is not about winning and losing, it's also proper handling of the players." "I hope Younis leads the team for a longer period because frequent changes are not good for the team." Younis must perform well, as he has done, so that he can command respect and can ask others to perform well." Fellow former captain Zaheer Abbas also welcomed the decision. "We didn't have desirable results under Malik," said Abbas, revered as a great batsman. "At times, a change at the top changes luck and we can only hope that the team produces good results under Younis." Abbas said it would also be up to other players to revive spirits. "Not just the captain, but the other 10 players in the team need to show their best so it looks like a unit," said Abbas. Pakistan team manager Yawar Saeed said he hoped Malik would emerge a stronger player after being relieved of the captaincy. "It wasn't easy decision but we had to improve the team. I hope Malik emerges stronger from this and does his best for the team in future," said Saeed. Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja advised Younis to respect the position. "I see the change as a test and trial time for Pakistan cricket. Now Younis needs to show more respect to the office of captaincy," said Raja. Pakistan play Sri Lanka in two home Tests next month.