Wasim Akram backs Azhar Ali as ODI captain

Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has thrown his support behind under-fire ODI skipper Azhar Ali, saying the latter should be given some more time to prove himself.

While insisting that any captain should be observed for a proper run of at least 30 to 35 matches, Wasim observed that Pakistan had played some 24 to 25 matches under Azhar and, therefore, he should be given some more time before taking a final call.

The 50-year-old also expressed his views on new T20 skipper Sarfraz Ahmed, insisting that the wicketkeeper-batsman led Pakistan well in the lone match against England.

Akram said although Ahmed seemed to have cooperated well with other players, the decision to make him the ODI skipper immediately would be premature, the Dawn reported.

Echoing similar views, former T20 skipper Shahid Afridi had said that Azhar's performance was not bad during the England tour while adding that it would be too early to make Sarfraz the ODI captain.

Earlier, Azhar's captaincy came under scrutiny following his side's 1-4 ODI series defeat against Eoin Morgan's team.