PCB chief backs Misbah to continue as Pak's ODI captain until 2015 World Cup

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairperson Najam Sethi has backed Misbah-ul Haq to retain his one-day captaincy and lead his side to the 2015 World Cup.

Misbah, who turns 40 next month, has long faced criticism for his defensive approach as a leader, despite leading Pakistan to seven one-day series wins last year - a record for the country in a 12-month period.

According to Sport24, although chief selector Moin Khan hinted at a possible change of one-day captain, however, Sethi gave his support to Misbah, who has led the side in 71 ODIs since taking over in May 2011-winning 39 of them, and backed him to be the captain until the 2015 World Cup.

Sethi further said that the Test captain, who led his team to 12 Test wins, has performed very well in both one-dayers and Tests and is one of the fittest players in the team, adding that he is standing firm on his decision.

However, the report mentioned that despite Sethi's support, Misbah, who has scored the most runs in the world in 2013, would remain under pressure, given Pakistan's history of sacking captains and coaches after poor performances.

Pakistan will also play Australia and New Zealand in the United Arab Emirates in November-December before touring New Zealand for a short one-day series in January ahead of the World Cup, the report added.