Waqar Younis retained skipper

Paceman Waqar Younis was on Saturday retained captain of the Pakistan cricket team for the forthcoming home series against New Zealand and is also likely to lead the team in the Asian Test championship, in September.

"Younis will be the captain for the series against New Zealand," Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Lt Gen Tauqir Zia told reporters in Lahore.

New Zealand will tour Pakistan next month for a three-Test and three one-day international series.

Waqar is expected to lead the team for the Asian Test championship matches too as Zia has said that the board is satisfied with his showing and would like him to continue till the 2003 World Cup.

However, Waqar's appointment for subsequent tournaments would be announced after analysing his form and fitness, he said.

As per the ATC schedule, Pakistan would play Bangladesh from September 1 to 5 followed by the Test against India in Lahore from September 13 to 17.

Mail Cricket Editor