Younis confirmed as captain for Champions Trophy

ISLAMABAD, Sep 29 (Reuters) Pakistan vice-captain Younis Khan will lead his country in next month's Champions Trophy in India after regular skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq was banned for four one-day internationals Yesterday.

''I have been told today that I have to captain the side,'' Younis told Reuters today.

A Pakistan Cricket Board official said Younis would be formally confirmed as captain in the next few days.

Inzamam was cleared of ball tampering but banned for bringing the game into disrepute after Pakistan refused to take the field after tea on the fourth day of the fourth test against England last month.

Their protest followed a decision by umpires Darrell Hair and Billy Doctrove to penalise Pakistan five runs for alleged ball tampering. England were awarded the match by forfeit.

''We are going to miss Inzamam in the Champions Trophy and we want to win it for him because he took a stand for us and the country,'' Younis said.

''It is not going to be easy as the players are comfortable with his style of captaincy and he is our best batsman.'' REUTERS DH RK2136