Yousuf passes captaincy to Hafeez

Mohammad Yousuf, the former Pakistan batsman, has passed on the captaincy of the Lahore Lions team to Mohammad Hafeez, the national team's T20 captain, for the ongoing Faysal Bank T-20 Cup to help the latter gain experience.

"Yousuf himself surrendered his captaincy and offered Hafeez to lead the side," Lahore City Cricket Association president Khawaja Nadeem said. "It's a great gesture from a great player to let Hafeez gain experience as captain. I have happily accepted his decision."

Hafeez, who was appointed the Pakistan T20 captain in May this year, wasn't considered for the role originally. But minutes before the Lions' first match against Karachi Zebras at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Yousuf announced his decision.

Hafeez has been playing for his native side Faisalabad Wolves in the national twenty20 cup since 2004. But this year, being a resident of Lahore city, chose to represent Lions - a side possessing nine international cricketers.