Afridi wants Younis Khan as his deputy: sources

Newly appointed Pakistan Test captain Shahid Afridi wants former skipper Younis Khan as his deputy during the upcoming Asia Cup and the 'home' Test series in England.

"Afridi believes that Younis will be a key player for Pakistan. He sees him as a trustworthy senior, who can support him (Afridi) in his quest to put the Pakistan team on the right track," The News quoted sources close to the team, as saying.

According well-informed sources in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Afridi was initially given three names from whom to pick the vice-captain of the team.

The list included opener Salman Butt, veteran all-rounder Abdul Razzaq and middle-order batsman Misbah-ul-Haq.

However, Misbah's name was axed later as he failed to make it to the list of 35 probables for the Asia Cup.

Sources said that it is not easy for Afridi to get the vice-captain's post for Younis, as there are number of unresolved issues.

Younis is still serving an 'indefinite' ban slapped by the PCB following the disastrous Australia tour.

Most importantly, Younis had been at loggerheads with Yawar Saeed, the current team manager.

Younis had an open spat with Saeed after 2009 World Twenty20 Championship in England, which Pakistan won, and the former captain still believes that the manager played an influential role in ousting him as skipper.