Moin pulls out of Singapore series

Karachi: Pakistan skipper Moin Khan on Thursday pulled out of this month's Singapore triangular series leaving Azhar Mahmood as the frontline candidate to lead the national side.

The 29-year-old wicketkeeper told reporters at the National Stadium that he had communicated his decision to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Lt Gen Tauqir Zia earlier in the day.

"The general was generous enough to understand my position. I trained for two days but the pain is still there. I don't want to aggravate the injury which could risk my participation in the other future commitments," Moin said.

Moin's withdrawal is likely to hand Azhar Mahmood his first term as captain. Although the team and the captain would be announced on Saturday at the National Stadium, sources said the decision has already been made keeping in mind the future.

"Azhar Mahmood will also have a taste of captaincy so that he can be handed over the team in future. A captain has to be groomed because Moin was the last choice the board had which it availed," sources said.

Moin said he would require another two weeks to regain complete fitness. He said he has been in constant touch with former Pakistan team physiotherapist Dale Naylor and had been informing of his progress.

He said Naylor had indicated to him when he went for treatment in England that he wouldn't make it to the Singapore tour. "I was hoping against hope to get fit in time and return to the arena. Unfortunately, I have lost the race against time. I will, however, continue my training as advised by the physio and my specialist."

Moin said with most of the star players not available for the Singapore series, it would provide an excellent opportunity for the youngsters to get international exposure. He said the youngsters have already outnumbered the seniors but they still lacked experience. He was, however, confident that this series would be a great learning experience for them.

"South Africa and New Zealand are tough opponents. And there is a great opportunity for the youngsters to perform against them and cement their places in the team," he said.