Shoaib Malik steps down as PSL's Karachi franchise captain

New Delhi: Shoaib Malik on Friday stepped down as the captain of Karachi Kings ahead of their Pakistan Super League play-offs clash against Islamabad United.

The 34-year-old Pakistan batsman then suggested the franchise to appoint England's Ravi Bhopara as his replacement.

"My performance is being affected by the captaincy and I have not been able to fulfil my role. I spoke to the team management and owners and told them to kindly make Ravi Bhopara the captain," Malik said.

Malik is considered as one of the most successful T20 captains in Pakistan domestic cricket.

"I have always played for the team and not for myself and I want to deliver in the playoffs for Karachi which is why I stepped down as captain," he added.

Speculations had been rife about Malik not being in agreement with the owners and coach Mickey Arthur on some team issues which has only added to the woes of the Karachi franchise that was brought at the highest rate of USD 2.6 million among the five franchises.

Bopara, meanwhile, was candid during a post-match conference on Wednesday and questioned decisions by Malik to bat first against Peshawar Zalmi in a crucial qualifying match and also over getting just one over late in the innings.

(With PTI inputs)