Sethi backs Misbah despite sacking calls following Test loss

Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) interim chairman Najam Sethi has reportedly backed Test and one-day captain Misbah-ul Haq over increased calls for his sacking in the wake of the team's embarrassing Test defeat against Zimbabwe.

Pakistan was beaten by 24 runs in the second Test in Harare last week- their first loss at the hands of the cricketing minnows for 15 years- which left the two-match series tied 1-1, although they went on to win the one-day series 2-1.

According to Sport24, the losses prompted former players to demand the sacking of Misbah, who is often faulted for his defensive approach and age, although Sethi defended the skipper, saying that he is satisfied with Misbah's captaincy and adding that there has been no decision to change the team's captain.

Playing down the outcome of the tour, Sethi also said that 'no earthquake has come' even if the results are not up to the expectations.

Meanwhile, Sethi expressed his readiness to revive full cricketing ties with archrival India, which have been largely stalled since the attacks on Mumbai in 2008, saying that the ties will help Pakistan financially and politically.

According to Sethi, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has given him a mandate to work for the revival of cricket between the two countries, adding that Sharif also wants the countries to play each other again.