Alam slams Malik

Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has been forced to defend himself as a growing number of people continue to criticise his leadership

Former captain blames skipper for Pakistan's demise

Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has been forced to defend himself after ex-skipper Intikhab Alam joined the growing number of people to criticise his leadership. This comes amid reports that senior players including Mohammed Yousuf, Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi and vice-captain Misbah-ul-Haq are poised to take over Malik's role. Now ex-captain Alam has added fuel to the media fire by blaming Malik for Pakistan's poor performance of late. The team has lost two Test series since Malik was handed the captaincy last year and there is speculation that he will not last until his contract ends in December. Alam said: "Malik is not impressive at all and it's better the Pakistan Cricket Board should start looking for a new captain to lead the side against India at home next January. "When you play teams that are in the top rankings of world cricket, you get tested and on both occasions Malik has failed." Malik responded to criticism, claiming he took on the role with country's interests in mind. "I never asked for the captaincy, but when I was offered the job I took it as a challenge and in the better interest of the country."