Coach Intikhab Alam has backed Younus Khan's decision to step down as Pakistan skipper and take a brief break from cricket.

Insisting that Younus had spoken to him about his move to skip the three-match Test tour to New Zealand before meeting the Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ejaz Butt, Intikhab also advised the experienced batsman to concentrate on the domestic matches for sometime to regain the touch.

"The sort of batting form and mental state he was in, I supported him because when a cricketer and captain is not scoring runs it is best for him to take a break and go back to the basics in domestic cricket," Intikhab said from Dubai.

Although the board has announced that Younus stepped down for the New Zealand tour himself as he was going through a bad patch, Younus admitted that he stepped down as he was facing problems from some senior members of the team.

"Confidence is essential to lead the side properly. I think, Younus has done the right thing. It is good that he plays some domestic cricket and gets run," Alam said.

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"I am sure Mohammad Yousuf will lead the team well in New Zealand as he is a very experienced campaigner," he added.

Meanwhile, reports in the Pakistani media suggested that Intikhab's tenure as national coach could be shortened after the recent happenings in the national team.

According to a report in the 'Express' newspaper, some players during their meeting with Butt had complained about the behaviour of the coach and suggested a new one be appointed.

"Apparently some players were unhappy that Intkhab, instead of encouraging, ran them down in front of all the other players and spoilt the dressing room atmosphere. Some players also felt Intikhab was not contributing anything to the team technically and tactically," the report claimed.

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The report also said that former captain Javed Miandad, who is now the PCB's Director General (Cricket) and batting consultant, is being considered as Intikhab's replacement.

Miandad, who has coached the team thrice before, was initially offered the job last year but he had refused due to his family commitments.

"But now even Miandad has shown willingness to take over the responsibility given the situation in the team," the report said.

Intikhab was appointed coach last year after Miandad's refusal. Miandad, however, had worked for a few days with the Pakistan players before they left for the Champions Trophy in South Africa.

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