Pakistan retains Inzamam as captain despite India defeat by AFP

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Player:	Inzamam-ul-Haq
Event:	India in Pakistan 2005/06

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DateLine: 19th February 2006

 

Inzamam-ul-Haq has been retained as Pakistan captain until the end of this year despite his team's one-day series defeat against arch-rivals India, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced Sunday.

 

The 35-year-old batsman led Pakistan to a 1-0 win in the preceding Test series but they were trailing 1-3 in the one-day series before the last limited overs international here on Sunday.

 

"Expressing full confidence in the team's management, the PCB ad-hoc committee retained Inzamam as captain and Younis Khan as vice captain for the remainder of the year," the PCB said in a release.

 

Inzamam took over as Pakistan captain in October 2003 and his tenure was expiring after the current India series.

 

"His new tenure would cover the tour of Sri Lanka, England, ICC (International Cricket Council) Champion's Trophy and the home series against the West Indies series.

 

"This decision was in consonance with the PCB's policy of providing stability and continuity to the team."

 

The committee also decided to appoint a fielding and a bowling coach for the national team. South African Jonty Rhodes has been suggested as fielding coach, the PCB said.

 

Pakistan has also decided to invite experts from the New Zealand Turf Research Academy to improve the quality of pitches in the country.

 

Pitches used for the drawn first two Tests against India at Lahore and Faisalabad last month came under huge criticism after they produced 2,350 runs for the loss of just 36 wickets.

 

Pakistan had employed an English curator, Andy Atkinson, in 2003 and 2004 in their bid to improve the quality of the home pitches.

(Article: Copyright © 2006 AFP)