Rashid Latif appointed captain for one year

The Pakistan Cricket board (PCB) in continuation of its new policy towards the senior team has decided to give Rashid Latif a one-year term as captain. The Chairman of the PCB Lt Gen Tauqir Zia said on Thursday that Rashid would remain the captain in Tests and One-day Internationals until the completion of the tour of New Zealand early next year.

"The idea is to give him confidence and support and also enough time to rebuild the team and settle upon winning combinations", the PCB Chairman said in a statement, adding: "The board has confidence in the abilities of Rashid as a cricketer and captain who is capable of manning the younger players and providing them with the encouragement, guidance and support to cement their places in the Pakistan team on a long term basis", he added.

Pakistan is scheduled to play a minimum of 25 One-day Internationals and seven Tests against Bangladesh, South Africa and New Zealand until January 2004.

The PCB Chairman said the number of matches available to Pakistan should give enough time to the new team management to put the rebuilding process on the right path and identify the players who can serve Pakistan cricket for years to come.

"We felt it is only fair that the new team management be given ample opportunities to settle down with the new players and then devise their own working strategy.

"The basic aim being to lift the performances of the team and enable it to perform to its optimum level", the PCB Chairman stated and added: "The people of Pakistan want to see positive results and the board itself remains confident that with a fresh approach and ideas the team will return to its winning ways".

The decision to appoint Rashid on a one-year term is a shift from the PCB's old policy of appointing captains on a series to series basis. The new policy being designed to introduce consistency in the team management and also to give a fair chance to the process of grooming of new players under a new captain and coach.

Rashid Latif said he was excited with the prospect of having to groom and guide new players and eventually settle upon a winning combination with the long-term future in mind.

"I am thankful to the board and its Chairman for reposing so much confidence in me. Personally, I know now where I stand and what is expected of me and I am confident that we have the available talent to start preparing new players".

Rashid also made it clear that he would also closely and fairly assess his own form and fitness for the one-year period.

"I don't want to be a liability on the team as I am well aware that a captain has to lead by example and with his own performances".

"After this term if I feel I can continue to serve the team properly then I will continue but if I feel that my own form and fitness does not warrant me a place in the side then I will step down myself", he said.

The PCB Chairman also made it clear that so far he had not had an opportunity to hold one to one talks with Javed Miandad on his term.

"But obviously we are looking for him to carry on a long term basis and help us build a strong team. When he returns from abroad I will sit down with him and discuss things in detail".

Samiul Hasan
General Manager - Media
Mobile + 92 300 8424 389
20 March 2003