Pakistan extends Inzamam's captaincy until Asia Cup 2006

ISLAMABAD, Tuesday (AFP) Pakistan on Monday rewarded Inzamam-ul Haq for leading the national cricket team to a Test series draw and one-day series win in India by extending his captaincy until April next year.

Pakistan Cricket Board chief executive Salim Altaf told AFP it had "decided to give Inzamam an extension as captain until the Asia Cup in Pakistan in April next year." Inzamam, 35, showed great signs of maturity as captain on the tour of India where Pakistan drew a three-match Test series 1-1 and won the six-match one-day series 4-2 after losing the first two matches, the former fast bowler added.

"It's more of a continuation than a reward," said Altaf.

Inzamam was appointed Pakistani captain following Rashid Latif's resignation in October 2003 and his tenure was due to last until Pakistan's tour to the West Indies in May-June this year.

The extension means Inzamam will also lead Pakistan in the two home series against England in October-December this year and against India early next year, and the Asia Cup in April 2006. Inzamam has so far led Pakistan in 13 Tests, winning six, losing three and drawing the remaining four.

His one-day record as captain is 34 wins out of 54.

Altaf, who was the team's manager on the tour of India, was also retained as manager for the Caribbean tour where Pakistan will play three one-day games followed by two Tests.

Younis Khan, whose appointment as vice captain for the India tour was criticised, was also retained for the West Indies tour.