KARACHI: All-rounder Shahid Afridi has been named Pakistan captain for the World Cup starting later this month, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Friday.

The Pakistan board said in a statement that Afridi, who led Pakistan to their first one-day series win since late 2008 with victory over New Zealand on Thursday, will have test captain Misbah-ul-Haq as his deputy.

The PCB announced their final 15-member World Cup squad last month but delayed naming the captain leading to speculation their had been a tie between Afridi and Misbah, who led Pakistan to a test series win in New Zealand.

The board did not give any explanation for the delay in naming the flamboyant all-rounder, who has appeared in 311 one-dayers, as captain.

Pakistan have been drawn in Group A of the February 19 to April 2 World Cup alongside Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Canada and Kenya.

Pakistan's former test captain, Rashid Latif backed the retention of Afridi for the World Cup.

“It was the logical thing to do because he has now been leading the one-day side since last year and the players are also comfortable with him and understand his leadership style,” Latif told Reuters.

“If anything I don't understand what prompted the board to delay the announcement. It only led to speculation which is not good for Pakistan cricket ahead of such an important event,” Latif added.