ISLAMABAD, Dec 21: Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Lt. Gen Tauqir Zia Saturday laid to rest rumours about change in captaincy for the World Cup by announcing categorically that Waqar Younis would lead the party in South Africa.

“If Waqar is unfit only then we can think of having a new captain,” the general told journalists in the hill resort of Bhurban. “He is neither unfit nor out of form.”

There were indications earlier that Wasim Akram could be named the captain for the World Cup with the ace all-rounder saying himself he would love to captain the country in the tournament.

Tauqir tried to spur the cricketers on by announcing a cash award of Rs 5 million for each of them if they win the World Cup.

“You have to give incentives to the players just as you would do to your own children,” Tauqir said when asked if national spirit was not enough to keep the players going. “This money would be given by the PCB and there are some other bodies who also want to honour the cricketers.”

He said that fast bowlers Wasim, Waqar and Shoaib were all individually talented but expressed surprise as to what goes wrong when they team up.

Tauqir also spoke of Saeed Anwar’s chances of making the World Cup. “He is a steady opener and is now fit but as far as form is concerned, he hasn’t played for two months. And now his form will be gauged in the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy.”