Time is right for Misbah-ul-Haq to step aside

This probably is not the right time to bring this up. In fact, it is about the worst time to bring it up, Pakistan having just beaten India in an one-day international (ODI) series in India, writes Osman Samiuddin in the National. But, and this is not said lightly, maybe it is the right time for Misbah-ul-Haq to step aside as the ODI captain and out of the side itself.

In Mohammad Hafeez they not only have a man who is already leading the Twenty20 side, they have a very good cricketer at the most secure moment in his career, both within the side and in his own abilities. Later this summer is the last Champions Trophy in England and although it is too early to be a thorough dress rehearsal, it will be invaluable experience. Sure it is difficult to completely erase the fear that Hafeez's batting might not hold up in Australia, or that he will be 34 by then, but no one is better placed currently (and to worry about how a player might do as captain before you make him captain kind of defeats the point). But the more pressing reason is Misbah's own place in the side as a batsman.