It was tough to accept captaincy for only one series: Yousuf

Lahore, Nov.17 (ANI): Newly appointed Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf has said that accepting the captaincy for only one series was a difficult decision for him to take.

In an interview with a foreign news service, Younus said leadership qualities and potential of a player cannot be judged by a single series.

Younus said he has accepted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Ijaz Butt's offer only because he didn't wanted to create further problems for the board.

"I accepted this responsibility to give respect to the PCB and Pakistani nation. When PCB chairman Ijaz Butt offered me captaincy, I told him that it would be difficult for me to captain one single series as New Zealand tour has never been easy for any Asian side," The Daily Times quoted Younus, as saying.

"Pakistan cricket is going through very rough times, and had I refused captaincy at this stage it would have been created more problems for Pakistan cricket," he added.

He also dismissed reports regarding him accepting the captaincy after consulting former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq

Yousuf said he would like to consult all the all stakeholders, players, coach, and selectors while taking any important decision.

"I believe more in consultation with all players, coach and selectors in making decisions because this is not only mine but Pakistan's team. So we have to unite to get victory," said the 35-year-old batsman.

Commenting on the forthcoming New Zealand tour, Yousuf said the series would be a big challenge for the team, as players would have to encounter harsh playing conditions.

"The fact is we are going to New Zealand when the season has not started there properly and the weather will also be cold. I think we are going to encounter seaming wickets and batting on them will be a big challenge for us," he said. (ANI)