Karachi: Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has rubbished suggestions that senior batsman Younis Khan leaving the side midway through the one-day series against Bangladesh was indicative of an internal rift in the team.

"Younis had some personal engagements in his family and he took leave after informing me, the team manager and the board. There is nothing else to his being released from the squad," Malik said.

Younis had pulled out midway through the series after being questioned by the ICC Anti Corruption Unit officials without any prior notice.

The senior batsman was incensed with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for not informing him in advance about ACU questioning.

Meanwhile, reflecting on his captaincy, Malik said he was enjoying the responsibility of leading the national team.

"This job is a great challenge but I am enjoying it because it is a big honor and I try to keep all the players in the loop. My ambition remains to make our team a more consistent unit," he said.

Malik said he didn't feel any extra pressure as captain and it had not affected his performance as a player.

"I think more than anything the captaincy has helped me become a better player as I have to lead by example. We have always had a great team and if we can be more consistent in our performances it would be a target achieved," he stated. 
Source : PTI