Rashid Latif has welcomed the decision of the Pakistan Cricket Board to retain him as the captain of the side till early next year, saying the fixed time frame will help him plan out things in a much better way.

The Pakistan Cricket Board had till now appointed captains on a series to series basis but yesterday it said it had decided to retain Latif till February next year.

Latif said when a captain knew the exact time and term given to him to rebuild a team it was easier for him to plan out things and implement his policies.

"I must also admit that so far I have enjoyed captaining this side and the fact that I am the senior most player and only captain in the side has helped," he said referring to the presence of at least three former captains in the Pakistan team when Waqar Younis was the skipper.

The 34-year-old wicketkeeper said though he was not sure till when he could continue to play, he was certain he would remain associated with the game in some way or the other.

"I am happy to know that the Board has reposed confidence in my captaincy until early next year. I really don't know for how much longer I will continue to play. Maybe another year, maybe more or maybe I may retire after February," Latif told reporters at Islamabad.

"But one thing is clear in my mind -- when I do retire I will remain associated with the game, with my academy or with any other assignment in the Pakistan Board.

The Pakistan skipper did not appear too affected by remarks of Australian skipper Steve Waugh who had said
Bangladesh batted better than the way Pakistan and West Indies did in some matches against the world champions.

"I don't think Waugh has said what is being interpreted by the media. What he has just said is that if he talks about the Bangladesh batting even West Indies batted more badly a few times in a recent series against them and Pakistan fell for record low scores in Sharjah last year.

"But I don't think Waugh has made a permanent observation about our batting as compared to that of Bangladesh," he said.

"Certainly I have no doubt that our team is much better than Bangladesh and although not equal to Australia at this stage I would say we are far better than many other teams. And I do have a lot of confidence in my batsmen."

However, the Pakistan skipper made it clear that the home series against Bangladesh would not be taken lightly and every effort would be made to work hard, play to strength and win every match against them.

"Given our standing in international cricket we have to play hard cricket against them and give it our best shot. We must learn from the Australians who didn't give an inch to the Bangladesh team despite their standing.

"But I have a feeling that Bangladesh is going to be a more improved and determined side when they tour Pakistan." 

Latif said the Pakistan team had won lot of praise on their recent tour of England from the media and efforts were being made to bring improvement in many areas.

"Improvement takes time and we are trying to ensure no one takes his place for granted or does not believe in giving 100 per cent for the team," he added.