Lahore, Jan.29 (ANI): Amid frantic calls for his sacking, beleaguered Pakistan captain Mohammed Yousuf found some support with former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq saying that he should be retained till the 2011 World Cup.

Inzamam said Yousuf had accepted the challenge of captaining the squad, when no other player was willing to step in, and deserves better treatment from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

“He (Yousuf) took up the challenge of leading the team at a time when no one was willing to take this responsibility and has tried his best.I think he should be retained for one full year till 2011 World Cup before the PCB makes any decision about his fate,” Inzamam said.

Inzamam, one of Pakistan’s most successful captains, said any tour to New Zealand or Australia is considered a tough outing, and Yousuf should be given fair chance to prove his capabilities as a captain.

“Any tour to New Zealand or Australia are the most difficult ones and it is not fair to judge his captaincy on the basis of results in these two countries. If you look at other teams like India, Australia, South Africa or England they are making progress because they don’t make frequent changes in their captaincy or management,” he pointed out.

Inzamam said Pakistan needed a batting coach urgently, and added that he is open for the job if the PCB offers him the post.

“I can do it provided the board accepts my terms and conditions and I am given a free hand in the job,” The Daily Times quoted Yousuf, as saying. (ANI)