DUBAI: Pakistan today appointed Mohammad Yousuf as captain for the Test tour of New Zealand after Younus Khan asked for a rest following the one-day series defeat against the Black Caps.

"Yes, Younus has asked for a rest so we have appointed Yousuf as captain for the three-Test tour," Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ijaz Butt said, adding,"it has nothing to do with the defeat against New Zealand." Pakistan will fly from here on Sunday to play three Tests in New Zealand. The first Test starts in Dunedin on November 25.

The 31-year-old Younus replaced Shoaib Malik following Pakistan's defeat in a home one-day series against Sri Lanka in January. But despite leading Pakistan to the World Twenty20 title, Younus' tenure was full of turmoil and controversies.

Younus was forced to offer his resignation over unproven allegations of match fixing after Pakistan lost to New Zealand in the semi-final of the Champions Trophy held in South Africa last month. His resignation was rejected by the PCB.