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LAHORE: Inzamam-ul-Haq was Friday appointed Pakistan captain for the 2004 calendar year by the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Shaharyar M Khan. Inzamam previous term ended with the conclusion of the New Zealand tour.

Pakistan, this year, will take on India in a three-Test and five match one-day international series between March and April, then tour Malaysia for a bilateral series against Sri Lanka, then undertake twin tours of Holland for tri-nation series against India and Australia, and England for ICC Champions Trophy, followed up by the home series against Zimbabwe in October and finally tour Australia in December for a three-Test series and a tri-nation one-day tournament.

Inzamam, born on March 3, 1970 in Multan, has played 91 Tests in which he has scored 6,680 runs at 49.85 with 18 centuries and 35 half centuries. In 307 one-day international appearance, Inzamam has scored 9,456 runs at 38.670 with eight centuries and 68 half centuries. He has previously captained Pakistan in four Tests, winning one and losing one while he captained Pakistan in 19 matches, winning 14.

'It is a well thought decision also taken in consultation with Chief Executive Ramiz Raja and Chairman of selectors Wasim Bari. Inzamam led the team well in New Zealand and is showing tremendous improvement in his leadership qualities. He enjoys great respect amongst his team members. The PCB is optimistic that under his leadership, the Pakistan cricket team will continue to make upward progress,' PCB Chairman, Shaharyar Khan said in a statement here.

Inzamam, in a statement said, 'I am honored to have been awarded the job to lead Pakistan this year. My recent experience has given me valuable insight into the characteristics to be a successful leader. I am confident that I will be able to transfer my recent experience into this year. I have learnt a lot while playing under brilliant captains like Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, and Waqar Younis. I believe now I am well equipped to take on what in one of the most prestigious jobs in Pakistan sports. To me, every series this year will be equally important. But naturally, there will be more focus on the forthcoming series against India which I am sure will produce the highest quality of cricket. My team has worked extremely hard recently and I have no doubt in my mind that if they continue to work with the same dedication and commitment, they will put up a good performance, said the Pakistan captain.

Inzamam Friday evening left for Saudi Arabia to perform Haj.