The Pakistan board mentioned 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.
"PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) announces Afridi as captain of Pakistan team for the World Cup. Misbah has been announced as vice captain for the event," the board said in a statement.
PCB chief Ijaz Butt, who is with the Pakistan team in the ongoing New Zealand tour, mentioned that the decision to appoint Afridi as captain was taken after a discussion with the team management and players.
"I had detailed discussions with team management and players in New Zealand regarding captain and vice captain," Butt said.
"I am pleased to state that everyone fully endorsed these decisions," he added.
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.
The PCB's decision to delay naming the captain had been criticised by former players and fans.
"It doesn't make a difference whether Misbah leads the side or I lead the side because we both are playing for our country, I have never been after captaincy," Afridi had said earlier this week.
Misbah had backed Afridi as captain. "I think Afridi has done a great job as captain and he has kept the team together and every player is contributing and wants to do well. He has led well," Misbah said after his man-of-the-match performance in New Zealand on Tuesday.
Pakistan have been drawn in Group A of the Feb. 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.
© Cricbuzz (with inputs from agencies)
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