PCB offers consultancy role to Miandad

Former captain asked for batting, fielding help for New Zealand tour.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has offered a batting and fielding consultancy role to former captain and coach Javed Miandad for the team’s forthcoming tour of New Zealand that starts next month.

According to a PCB official, the appointment will be confirmed once Miandad returns from the Asian Games. “We hope that he joins the pre-tour camp as well as the tour itself,” the official said. “With his experience, he can share useful tips with the squad that will improve its performance.”

Miandad, who is also the PCB’s director-general as well as China’s cricket ambassador, has coached Pakistan three times and is yet to confirm his appointment despite expressing his willingness for the role several times in the past.

Following Geoff Lawson’s sacking, PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt offered the position to Miandad who refused the role citing other commitments. Pakistan has been seeking a batting consultant following poor performance in the Asia Cup and the team’s tour of England where it played against Australia and the hosts.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 27th, 2010.