Waqar confirmed by PCB as World Cup captain

Incumbent captain Waqar Younis will lead Pakistan at least until the end of the 2003 World Cup, according to new team manager Khawaja Nasir.

Nasir, a retired brigadier, who has been freshly appointed following the dismissal of Yawar Saeed during the ICC Champions Trophy, looked to squash rumours that Waqar was under pressure for his position after a recent downturn in the team's performance.

Speaking at the official launch of the Australia-Pakistan Test series at Colombo, Nasir said: "He (Waqar) has been categorically told by the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, General Zia, who is here in Sri Lanka, that he will captain the team in the 2003 World Cup."

Waqar claimed to be unconcerned by speculation that he faced the axe unless there was a quick revival to the team's fortunes during forthcoming series against Australia and Zimbabwe.

"I have never been worried about whether I am captain or not," he said. "I have that job at the moment and I will concentrate on doing my best so that Pakistan win."

Pakistan will play three Test matches against Australia starting Thursday without the services of key players, including leading batsmen Inzamam-ul-Haq and Yousuf Youhana, who are both injured, veteran fast bowler Wasim Akram and opener Saeed Anwar, who have decided to take a break.