Cricket: Tendulkar wins India captaincy

SACHIN TENDULKAR, who captained India between August 1996 and January 1998, will lead his country in the three-nation limited overs series against hosts Sri Lanka and Australia next month. He replaces Mohammed Azharuddin, who is doubtful with a shoulder injury.

"No other name was discussed. It [the decision] was unanimous," the chief selector, Ajit Wadekar, said yesterday.

Wadekar, speaking to reporters after a meeting of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), said Tendulkar would remain captain until a tour by New Zealand starting at the end of September. He will also lead the side in two tournaments in Singapore and Kenya.

The Sri Lankan cricket board has signed a $7.75 million deal (pounds 4.9m) with India's Sony Entertainment Television that gives the company rights to telecast all matches played in the Indian Ocean island.

Asif Karim, Kenya's captain at this year's World Cup, yesterday announced his retirement from international cricket.