Miandad’s tips available as training camp starts today

PCB chairman clears airs over appointment of Javed Miandad as batting consultant.

KARACHI: The drama revolving around Javed Miandad’s appointment as Pakistan’s batting consultant finally ended when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ijaz Butt successfully removed the former captain’s concerns about the job.

Miandad, who also holds the post of Director-General in the PCB, met the chairman yesterday to express his concerns on the matter that turned bitter after coach Waqar Younis’ comments on his appointment. The former captain, who earlier showed his willingness to assist Pakistan batsmen following the PCB’s offer for the tour of New Zealand and the preceding training camp, was left fuming after Younis said he would have to work according to his described limits.

The batting legend has coached Pakistan three times and was also unhappy after he was given the condition that he would have to work under Younis which he refused. However, Ijaz had a successful meeting with the former captain after which he confirmed his appointment.

“Miandad will work as the batting consultant for the tour and will attend the training camp as well,” said Ijaz. Miandad, however, is yet to confirm his travel with the team, saying that he “will assist the batsmen during the camp but has not decided about travelling with the team yet”.

Training camp starts today

Pakistan team would start flexing their muscles for the tour from today at the Qadaffi Stadium in Lahore. The team would play two Tests, six One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and two Twenty20s during the 44-day tour that would start with a warm-up game against Auckland on December 23. Pakistan coach Younis arrived from Australia yesterday to join the team for the camp that would conclude on December 15. Team manager Intikhab Alam said emphasis would be on fitness and fielding drills during the camp.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 8^th, 2010.