CricInfo Home
News Home

NEWS FOCUS
Rsa in Pak
NZ in India
Zim in Aus

Domestic
Other Series

Waqar Younis was retained Pakistan captain for next month's home series against New Zealand. The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Lt Gen Tauqir Zia added Thursday that he was foreseeing Waqar and Mudassar Nazar (coach) to continue until next year's World Cup.

"Waqar has been communicated that he will lead Pakistan in the home series against New Zealand," Tauqir told Dawn from Rawalpindi. The Black Caps are due in Karachi on April 18 for a two-Test and three-match one-day series.

Waqar, who replaced Moin Khan in March last year, was initially given an extension until the series against the West Indies in Sharjah. He was also retained for the Sharjah triangular one-day series scheduled between April 8 and 17.

Waqar was delighted with the news. "I am absolutely pleased. I think the extension proves that the PCB has confidence in my abilities."

Waqar said the extension would give him an added motivation and confidence. "I am new to captaincy. But when the establishment poses confidence in you, it gives one extra pride and boost. "I am taking captaincy series-by-series and have always believed that it should not be given on long term basis."

The General said although Waqar's team badly lost to Sri Lanka in the Asian Test Championship final, he was confident that Waqar would improve and turned into an inspirational leader.

"We have analyzed his performance and I think he is improving. But he deserves a longer run which will help him polish his skills and further assist him in his future planning," Tauqir said. Waqar was blamed for poor selection in the Asiad final when he left out Wasim Akram and Saqlain Mushtaq. Pakistan lost by eight wickets.

The General said he would like to see Waqar captaining Pakistan in next year's World Cup in South Africa. "Although a lot of cricket has to be played until the World Cup and we would continue to review the team's performance and Waqar's own fitness and form. But even then I would like to see him lead Pakistan next year. With the World Cup little under a year ahead, leadership change could end in disaster."

"Waqar's own performance has been excellent and he has led by example. But as he will gain experience, he will learn the art of getting the best out of his boys," the General said.

Waqar admitted that he needed more time to master the skills. "All the great captains have spent enough time in the centre before they were acknowledged and accepted as true leaders."

The PCB chairman said he was summoning the selectors immediately after March 30 to discuss with them certain relevant issues. "I want to know why there is controversy in selection and what are the procedures. I also want to know what exercise they have done for next year's World Cup."

"If the selectors have finalized 14 or 16 likely players for the World Cup, I would like to see them playing most of the games. Naturally, there can be injuries but we have to remain focused," he said.

Tauqir said he would be meeting Indian Olympic Association (IOC) president Suresh Kalmadi Friday evening. "I don't know the agenda of the meeting. The SAF Games organizers contacted me and said the Indian official wanted to talk to me on cricket.

"I have no problems talking to him or the Indian board. But I have no idea what will be the agenda of the meeting." Pakistan has been clear in its policy of keeping sports away from politics. Unfortunately, India cancelled its two visits to Pakistan last year saying matches against Pakistan rose sentiments in its country.

© Dawn