The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed that Azhar Ali will be the country's new one-day international captain.

The 30-year-old has been handed the responsibility despite the fact that he has not played in the 50-over format of the game for two years.

"Azhar Ali has been appointed captain because of his leadership skills, team spirit and character," said PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan.

"I know Azhar Ali was not in the team in the last two years but his performance in the pentangular series proved that he deserves to be the captain."

Ali, who has played just 14 ODIs, has taken over from the retired Misbah-ul-Haq.