'PCB has no choice'

"I feel Afridi is the right choice for Pakistan. Although he is fit to lead in one-dayers and T20s, I have my doubts in Tests. But right now, PCB has no choice. They are short on options."
Wasim Akram says the appointment makes sense in a who-is-the-alternative kind of way

"Afridi has the quality to unite the team. But he will have to work for it."
Iqbal Qasim, who stepped down as Pakistan's chief selector after the disastrous tour of Australia, thinks Afridi is the right man

"I think the board should have done this much earlier. I don't know why they delayed it. I would also urge the PCB to name Salman Butt as vice-captain for the Asia Cup and England tour."
Afridi gets support from former legspinner Abdul Qadir, a man who was Pakistan's chief selector less than a year ago

"I think Afridi can follow in the footsteps of Imran Khan, who not only united the team in the 1980s and 90s but also won a lot of matches for the country."
Yet another former chief selector, Salahuddin Ahmed, is even more enthusiastic about the selection

"It is a strange decision and one that could badly backfire because Afridi has not been a regular Test player and his last Test was in 2006. So how can the board give him the captaincy for two very tough series against Australia and England."
Former captain Zaheer Abbas is among the minority questioning the elevation of Afridi

"The board has taken its decision but it is a debatable one. It is a big gamble. I think Shahid will be really tested in England as he has been out of the Test side for four years now."
Aamer Sohail is another of the sceptics