Waqar Younis has been re-appointed as Pakistan's captain for the forthcoming home series against New Zealand. Waqar took over the captaincy in 2001, shortly before the short tour of England, and prior to the heavy defeat by Sri Lanka in last month's Asian Test Championship final he had guided them to five straight wins.

Lt-General Tauqir Zia, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, defended their policy of not having a long-term captain. "Although I foresee him leading Pakistan in the 2003 World Cup, we stick to our policy of appointing the captain series by series," Zia said. "We want to keep a check on the team's performance, his fitness and his performance." Waqar supported the policy, at least publicly. "I endorse the Board's policy to go series by series, because I too want to analyse my captaincy after every series," he said. "I am learning with every experience and would not like to cost my team if I don't do well. I wish to lead Pakistan in the 2003 World Cup, but for that, I must give continuous results." The series against New Zealand - two Tests, preceded by three one-day internationals - immediately follows the three-nation Sharjah Cup. By coincidence, Pakistan and New Zealand meet today in the third round-robin match.

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