Lahore: As expected, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today named senior batsman Younis Khan as vice-captain for the Indian tour starting from November 5.

The PCB said in a statement that Younis would be deputy to Shoaib Malik for the five one-day internationals and three Tests in India. The Pakistan team leaves tomorrow for India.

The appointment of Younis in place of opener Salman Butt will be seen by many as the first step towards his eventual appointment as captain, at least for the Test side, a position he had refused after the World Cup in March due to various reasons.

Younis was the vice-captain when Pakistan last toured India for a Test series in 2005 under the then captain Inzamam-ul-Haq. For Butt, the sudden demotion is indicative of the fact that he has lost favour with the board and selectors and may soon find himself out of the team unless he performs well.

Butt was not picked for either of the five one-dayers played against South Africa this month.

Source : PTI