Pakistan vs West Indies - Afridi to Lead Pakistan

Johannesburg: Flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi will lead the Pakistan team in their Champions Trophy opener against the West Indies on Wednesday as regular skipper Younis Khan has been ruled out due to a hand injury.

Younis, who suffered a hairline fracture in his right index finger during a warm up match against Sri Lanka at Benoni three days back, is, however, likely to be fit for Pakistan's second match against arch-rivals India on Saturday.

His unavailability for the match paves the way for vice-captain Afridi to take on the mantle of leading the One-day side for the first time in his career.

Meanwhile, Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam insisted that the Younis' injury is not very serious.

"It's a hairline fracture. However the injury is not serious. We hope he will be fit to play against India," he said.

Younis did not play in the second warm up match on Saturday due to the same injury.

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