‘Sharjah victory mastermind’ dismissed as manager

Zakir assigned task of Asia Cup, World Twenty20 after replacing Moin.

KARACHI:

Former captain Moin Khan, hailed as the ‘mastermind behind the memorable Sharjah Test victory’, has been removed as manager of the Pakistan team.

As a replacement for the spot, another former cricketer Zakir Khan, who was recently elevated as Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Director Cricket Operations International from the position of Director Domestic Cricket, has been asked to take over.

The former fast-bowler who represented Pakistan in a couple of Test matches, has been assigned the task of the Asia Cup and the International Cricket Council World Twenty20 in Bangladesh, announced the PCB on Friday.

Moin is now the second official to be removed from former chairman Najam Sethi’s core team. Earlier, Tafazzul Rizvi had been sacked as PCB’s legal advisor by current PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf.

The former wicket-keeper was appointed as manager last August and remained with the squad during the tour of Zimbabwe and the home and away series against South Africa. His last assignment was another home series in the UAE against Sri Lanka.



Pakistan’s first One-Day International (ODI) series victory in South Africa and the memorable Sharjah Test victory against Sri Lanka have been the highlights of his brief stint as manager.

‘Moin was bringing attacking style’ 

Moin, who played 69 Tests and 219 ODIs, was deemed as a respectable figure within the team.

A current national cricketer credited him as the man behind the changed-approach of the players.

“It was Moin who encouraged the team to go for the win in the Sharjah Test [against Sri Lanka],” said the player while recalling the five-wicket win in which Pakistan made the fastest 300-plus chase in Test cricket history.

“He was even ready to take the blame [in case of a loss in pursuit].”

Another current cricketer admitted that Moin had played a key role in bringing an attacking approach in the squad.

“He was a valued manager because of his vast experience as an international cricketer,” he said.

Meanwhile Zakir, speaking to reporters following his appointment, said he would not compromise on discipline.

“I will not make any undue interference in the side’s affairs,” he said. “My aim in these tournaments is to promote teamwork.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 8^th, 2014.

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