Abbas replaces Col Naushad Ali who was, in turn, appointed in place of Naeem Akhtar.
Sialkot, the seven-time national twenty20 champions, will become the first domestic side of the country to take part in the competition. While there was no confirmation from the board, Sialkot region president Zulfiqar Malik said he was informed of the decision by senior domestic official of the board, Zakir Khan.
“It is a decision taken by the PCB committee comprising Javed Miandad, Intikhab Alam and Zakir Khan,” Malik told The Express Tribune from London. “I’ve was given the confirmation by the PCB. Previously, the region made these decisions but we have been told that it is now under the PCB’s domain since the team will go for an international tournament.”
Meanwhile, the PCB’s decision to remove Sialkot’s regular manager Naeem irked the region’s officials and players who have termed it damaging for the team ahead of the tournament.
Malik reiterated the request to take Akhtar as an assistant manager.
“Abbas is a respected figure and we have no issues with him. But we feel the team needs Akhtar and we request them to appoint him as an assistant manager.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 7th, 2012.
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Historically, PCB has been against the Sialkot team. This time they are enforcing another decision by appointing the biggest critic of the players of Sialkot team to manage them. Intentional scheming to break the unity of the best team in Pakistan....
Shameful move. This will only disturb this team's chemistry. This very approached has failed us nationally and internationally but we never learn. I can only hope now if Stallions go beyond qualifying round. You cant perform with so much politics going on in dressing room.
its a stupid decision.the person who worked hard with sialkot team should hv been in south africa.
Great Move! I Wish Zaheer Abbas becomes Pakistan National Team Coach or atleast be in Managment Side With Team to guide our Batsmen
PCB is requested to please induct coach Shoib Akhtar or Wasim Akram as a Bowling Coach and selcet Saeed Anwar or Inzi as Batting Consultant/coach,
Please We All Want to Win this World Cup!
These greedy super stars of the past can come from nowhere and turn the tide in their favour. Zaheer has no contribution in Sialkot's performance and has no right to go with the team. Shame on Zakir Khan on announcing it and Zaheer on accepting it.