Daily Times

KARACHI: Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik relinquished Karachi Kings’ captaincy in favour of veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Kumar Sangakkara, who recently joined the team from Quetta Gladiators for the second season of Pakistan Super League (PSL). Speaking at a press conference, Malik said that the Sri Lankan had immense experience to the side; therefore, he was better capable of leading the team as well. “I want to dedicate myself towards Karachi Kings’ development side, and I believe Sangakkara will do a wonderful job as a leader because he has the required experience,” he said. He added: “I am not only a part of this team, but this is my team.”

Sangakkara, along with Lahore Qalandars’ star player Chris Gayle, was one of two foreign players to have joined the Karachi-based team prior to yesterday’s draft. In PSL’s inaugural edition earlier this year, he played four matches for Quetta Gladiators and scored 129 runs at an average of 32.25, with highest score of 55. Previously, Malik resigned from captaincy during the first edition as well, handing over the skipper duties to Ravi Bopara. However, the team management later stated that he will be retained as captain for the second season too.