I was discussing about reason for Shoaib Malik becoming Captain of Pakistan cricket team. I do not know if the weight behind reasons I was given is good enough (especially regarding Mohammad Yousuf), though reasons I am given do make some sense.
I was told that, without questioning how and why players in the past were chosen in team (merit or shafaish), it was decided that to look for a player from amongst those that are already part of team. Thus, options were considered and choice was made.
After Inzamam retirement, the choices were few. These are the choices. How they were evaluated, and why Shoaib was considered as Captain, a rough guide could be as follow:
Mohammad Yousuf: His physical fitness was in question, but that was not such a big issue, as much as other issues about suitability. Looking at Pakistani mentality (however unfortunate), even though his performance is excellent, his background was not considered as good enough to command that respect in the team, a must to lead a team. He is also considered very soft person and could not force his decision on the team (maybe the result of his background). Thus, his ability as leader was questionable.
Second choice Younis Kham: Management has realised that he is complete idiot. He also has character that does not forget personal enmity and grudges. It is believed that he had some grudge with Inzamam too, and when team needed good batting performance most, he used to become reckless (that could be due to his grudge with the then captain). Thus, even though there was a segment in the management that wanted him at all cost, sense prevailed. It was decided that team could not be given in the hand of such unstable person, full of grudges.
Third Choice Shoaib Akhtar: He has big character and emotional problem. He can go into shell any time and could become aggressive without notice. He could also become reckless and has lot of self ego. It is believed that Shoaib Akhtar being Captain would only make the team disunited and shattered. His temperament was in question and thus he was discarded to take over the team.
Fourth choice Shahid Afridi: Normally city dwellers have cool mind. Well, it was analysed that this player, even though from Karachi and was brought up in Karachi, has typical tribal mental character and mentally very hot. He also has the tendency of getting mentally switched off at any time and could show reckless behaviour and can make reckless and illogical decisions without thinking of consequence. (Aksar Afridi kee deemaghi batti bujh jati hay). So, it was best to not let the team go in such unstable and unpredictable hand.
Fifth choice Abdul Razzak: In opinion of the team management, Abdul Razzak does not have that mental capability to become leader of the team. It was considered that he also does not have that ability to force his decisions on others (team mate). He could become aggressive at one time and passive at other, both phase lasting too long and he does not have that ability to adapt from one phase to another quickly. Thus, it was decided that it is best not to give him that responsibility of Captaincy.
Sixth choice was Shoaib Malik. He is considered to have balanced mind and ability to lead. He is adoptable and friendly. He has good relation with most team members. Even though his batting need to get polished and does not demand automatic place in test team (his ODI performance is good enough), with no other choice as all other choices had serious drawbacks, it was decided to give him that responsibility and see how things goes on.
I do not know how many would agree with these explanations, but that is what I am told and it seems reasonable explanations.
[Though I still have some reservation on reason for Mohammad Yousuf not given the responsibility, I may be wrong, as from all observations, one can see how much Pakistani as nation has that phobia of human background, preferences on basis of nepotism, and tribal loyalty above merit].
