COLOMBO, Oct 2: Captain Waqar Younis has been named to lead Pakistan through next year’s World Cup, a team official announced Wednesday.

Team manager Brig Khawaja Nasir said that Pakistan, in Sri Lanka for the first Test against Australia, would keep Waqar despite 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 atthe 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.

Meanwhile, the PCB has also decided to retain the services of Brig Nasir, who will continue in his job as manager until World Cup.—Reuters

Our Sports Reporter adds from Karachi: Younis Khan is reluctant to act as vice-captain during Pakistan’s Test series against Australia because he believes the added responsibility would hamper his batting.

“I simply want to concentrate on my batting,” Younis confessed Wednesday from Colombo. “The job does not interest me since my concentration will be divided.”

The 24-year-old right-hander, the most experienced batsman in the current line-up with only 20 caps, was appointed deputy to Waqar Younis when a revamped squad for Australian series was named a couple of weeks ago.

PCB decided Wednesday not to name a vice-captain since Pakistan are playing a ‘home’ series. However, a new vice-captain will be announced before Pakistan proceed on Zimbabwe tour early next month.

Meanwhile, senior batsman Inzamam-ul-Haq, who was vice-captain until injury sidelined, is currently being assessed by PCB’s panel of doctors whether his heel needs surgery.

Inzamam, who made an unforgettable 329 in his last Test appearance — against New Zealand at Lahore — in May, is already a doubtful starter for tour of South Africa, which follows the visit to Zimbabwe.

Pakistan are also without Yousuf Youhana, another certain selection in the middle-order batting.

He is troubled by a cyst in his right shoulder — a problem which may also require surgery.