'Waqar will lead Pakistan
for World Cup'

Waqar Younis has been named to lead Pakistan through next year's World Cup, a team official announced on Wednesday on the eve of the Test series with Australia.

Team manager Khawaja Nasir said that Pakistan, in Sri Lanka for the first Test against Australia, starting on Thursday, would retain Waqar as skipper despite him losing six of their last 10 one-dayers.

"He has been told by the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board that he will captain the team in the 2003 World Cup," said Nasir, who was recalled as manager after Yawar Saeed was fired last week because of the poor performances.

Waqar told reporters at a news conference that he has been focusing on the team instead of rumours about his future.

"I have never been worried about whether I am captain or not, I have that job at the moment and I will concentrate on doing my best so that Pakistan win," he said.

The Pakistan board also sacked coach Mudassar Nazar last month, replacing him with South African-based Richard Pybus, who will be coaching Pakistan for the fourth time.

Pakistan have been forced to play their recent home matches at neutral venues because teams have refused to travel there due to security fears.

After the Test in Sri Lanka, the two teams travel to Sharjah for the two final Tests.

Mail Cricket Editor