Akram backs Inzamam for captaincy

Karachi: Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram has said Inzamam-ul Haq was the right person to lead the side in the World Cup in the West Indies next year as he enjoyed the support and respect of the players.
Inzamam, the only member of the current team who was a part of the 1992 World Cup winning squad, came under fire after Pakistan lost the Test series in England, with some critics suggesting that the Multan bastman should hand over the mantle of captaincy to Younis Khan for the World Cup.
But Akram said he would vote for Inzamam over Younis anyday.
"No doubt Younis will be an intelligent captain but my vote goes to Inzamam for the World Cup captaincy as he is the most experienced player in the side and players respect him most," Akram was quoted as saying in The News.
However, Akram said Inzamam, currently embroiled in a ball tampering row, would do well to be a little more pro-active on the field like he was in the last tour of India in 2005.
On Pakistan's chances in the World Cup, Akram said the team had a great chance to win the prestigious title as they had a balanced combination in both bowling and batting.
"Except (for) the opening pair, Pakistan are a balanced side which can win the next year's World Cup," said Akram who finished with 414 Test and 502 One-Day wickets.—Agencies