The Hindu : Waqar to remain captain for World Cup

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Dec 23, 2002

Sport

Sport - Cricket

Waqar to remain captain for World Cup

Islamabad Dec. 22. Ending the suspense over the captaincy of Pakistan cricket team for the World Cup, the Pakistan Cricket Board, on Saturday, decided to retain Waqar Younis as skipper despite pressure to re-appoint all-rounder Wasim Akram.

``I have no doubts in my mind that Waqar will lead Pakistan in next year's World Cup,'' PCB Chief Lt. Gen. Tauqir Zia said in Rawalpindi. ``Since Waqar has retained his form and fitness he would continue to lead. If, God forbid, he sustains an injury then as options we have Rashid Latif, Inzamam-ul Haq and Wasim,'' Zia said.

The announcement is expected to end widespread speculation that Akram would be given the top job to boost the team's morale ahead of the World Cup.

The cricket establishment here was rife with speculation ever since Akram wrote to the PCB appealing to lift a leadership ban imposed on him by the Qayyum Commission which probed match-fixing allegations against the Pakistani players.

The Pakistan team had suffered humiliating defeats under the captaincy of Younis, losing triangular tournaments in Tangiers (Morocco) and Kenya followed by early exit in the ICC Champions Trophy in Colombo. The team also suffered a 3-0 rout in the Test series against Australia including its worst-ever defeat inside two days in the second match at Sharjah.

He blamed Pakistan's recent poor showing against South Africa on several top batsmen, who he said performed below par.

Pakistan tried four different openers — Taufiq Umer, Salim Elahi, Shahid Afridi and young wicket-keeper batsman Kamran Akmal — during the last 10 one-day internationals. But none stood out.

``We need a steady opener and are thinking to recall experienced Saeed Anwar for the World Cup,'' Zia said.

Anwar missed Pakistan's last 10 one-day internationals — five against Zimbabwe and five against South Africa — after he flopped in the two triangular series at Morocco, Kenya and the ICC Champions Trophy.

The left-handed opener is scheduled to play in the country's first class tournament, Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. Zia said he hoped Anwar would strike form before the World Cup team was named.

``Physically our medical panel has said that Anwar is fit enough, but we want him to show his form in the first class tournament,'' Zia said.

The nation's top cricket body has promised $ 86,000 to each team member if Pakistan brings home the coveted World Cup.

PTI

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