February 19, 2006	Sunday	Muharram 20, 1427

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KARACHI, Feb 18: Despite Pakistan’s defeat in the One-day International series against India, Inzamamul Haq would remain Pakistan captain for the rest of the year, the PCB ad hoc committee announced on Saturday.

Apart from Inzamam, the ad hoc committee also decided at its meeting that Younis Khan would continue as vice-captain during the time when Pakistan tour Sri Lanka, England besides taking part in the ICC Champions Trophy in India before hosting the West Indies in December.

Inzamam, who was given a one-year extension last April, has led Pakistan to drawn Test series in India and West Indies. Under his leadership Pakistan defeated England and India in the home Test series recently.

Younis, meanwhile, was appointed vice-captain last March and captained Pakistan to series victory in the final Test against India at Karachi earlier this month when Inzamam was injured.

Shaharyar M. Khan, the PCB chairman, said the decision to retain both Inzamam and Younis was to ensure stability and continuity in the national team.

The meeting also decided bowling and fielding coaches would be recruited for the senior team. In this context, the PCB chief announced the fielding coach would be sought from overseas.

The name of former South African Test star Jonty Rhodes was suggested by members of the ad hoc committee.

The PCB also approved the proposal for expanding and upgrading international stadiums in the country with land being purchased in Islamabad for a modern cricket stadium.

The current capacity of Karachi’s National Stadium would also be substantially increased while expanding and upgrading of stadiums in Lahore, Faisalabad, Peshawar and Abbottabad was also approved in principle.