20 Jan 2011

Pakistan cricket coach asked to explain by national board

6:03 am on 20 January 2011

The Pakistan coach Waqar Younis has been asked to explain himself to the national cricket board after criticising it for a delay in naming their captain for next month's World Cup on the sub-continent.

A spokesman for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) says a notice had been sent to Waqar over his comments made from New Zealand following their 1-nil test series win there.

Former test captain Waqar, who guided Pakistan to their first test series win since 2006 by winning the two-match series in New Zealand on Wednesday, says he's surprised by the board decision.

The PCB on Tuesday announced its 15-member World Cup squad but said it would name the captain later although all-rounder Shahid Afridi has been given the responsibility of leading the team in the forthcoming one-day series in New Zealand.

Former test captains and ex-selectors have criticised the PCB decision to delay announcing the captain, claiming it would lead to internal problems in the team and make players insecure.