Miandad sacked; Waqar to lead

Miandad sacked; Waqar to lead
REUTERS

KARACHI, APRIL 3: Pakistan cricket coach Javed Miandad was removed from his position on Tuesday, even though he had been appointed to guide the team to the 2003 World Cup in South Africa.

A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spokesman said the decision had been taken because Miandad was needed to work at PCB headquarters in Lahore. “The chairman of the PCB wants Miandad to look after the day-to-day affairs in the cricket headquarters,” the spokesman said.

Pakistan team manager Fakir Aizazuddin, in a recent leaked report, criticised Miandad for his attitude and said either the coach or senior players needed to be replaced. But Miandad played down his removal on Tuesday, saying he had no problems with any players. “I have a good relationship with each player. Being a part of the PCB, I have to do every assignment whether it be coaching or looking after the office,” he said.

Miandad’s replacement has yet to be named but former Pakistan opener Mudassar Nazar and ex-England Test opener Geoffrey Boycott have been mentioned as possible successors by the time Pakistan tour England next month.The decision came as the PCB named fast bowler Waqar Younis as captain for this month’s tri-nation one-day series in Sharjah. It is the second time Miandad has not completed his term. He was initially appointed for three years in September 1998, but resigned the following April after disagreements with senior players over money.

He was reappointed in March 2000 but was soon embroiled in further controversy when the Pakistan players twice protested to the PCB about the distribution of $1.3 million in logo money.

WAQAR SKIPPER: Meanwhile, PCB appointed fast bowler Waqar Younis as captain on Tuesday for this month’s tri-nation one-day series in Sharjah. The move came as the PCB removed Javed Miandad as team coach, giving him an office job at the board’s headquarters in Lahore.