Others may see it as a poisoned chalice but Geoff Lawson is clearly excited at the prospect of coaching Pakistan. In an interview with Nagraj Gollapudi soon after the PCB announced his name, Lawson spoke on the talent within the team, his 'thoughtful' captain and the need to be confident and consistent. The first optometrist to coach a national side spells out his vision for his new charge
Read More @ Cricinfo
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Miandad slams PCB approach for selection of coach
LAHORE, June 19: While challenging the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) wisdom to interview those who did not apply for the post of Pakistan coach in response to the board’s advertisement, Javed Miandad has pointed out that seeking the regional heads’ confidence in Bhurban by the PCB chief indicates his weakness.
Talking to Dawn on Tuesday, Miandad, an icon in the world of cricket, criticised the PCB Chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf’s move of taking confidence vote from the regional heads by offering them a tour of Bhurban last Saturday.
Read More @ Dawn
Talking to Dawn on Tuesday, Miandad, an icon in the world of cricket, criticised the PCB Chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf’s move of taking confidence vote from the regional heads by offering them a tour of Bhurban last Saturday.
Read More @ Dawn
Friday, June 15, 2007
Question of the Coach
Former Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore was left as the main contender to coach troubled Pakistan after his Australian compatriot Steve Rixon ruled himself out. Pakistan are due to shortlist candidates later this week to replace Bob Woolmer, who died at the World Cup in Jamaica in March prompting a police investigation and controversy. Police this week announced that he died of natural causes, not murder. Rixon, the former New Zealand coach, told AFP from Sydney that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) did contact him about the role but he had already made other plans.
"I am grateful that they did make contact but at this point in time I have decided to coach private schools in Australia and am not inclined to take an international assignment," said Rixon, who has also been linked to Sri Lanka.
Whatmore was not immediately available for comment. PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf mentioned both Whatmore and Rixon earlier this week when asked on television about the criteria for Pakistan's next coach. Ashraf said he was still certain a suitable coach would be found.
"We will shortlist three to four candidates on Saturday and I hope that anyone who might have fears will review his decision," Ashraf told reporters in Islamabad late Wednesday.
Rixon had previously linked his decision about whether to apply for the Pakistan job to the findings in the Woolmer's case.
"I'm finding it extremely hard to get over the fact Woolmer is no longer with us, to be honest. I'd never say never (to going for Pakistan) but I'll be interested in the result of the inquiry," Rixon said last month.
Besides Rixon and Whatmore, Pakistan also targeted Englishmen Tim Boon and Martyn Moxon for the job. Ashraf on Wednesday defended his determination to hire a foreigner, saying that players like being coached someone from outside the country.
"We are looking for a young coach with computer knowledge. There is dissent between players and a local coach and a foreigner does not get involved in politics," Ashraf said.
Intikhab Alam, a former Pakistan captain and coach of the team which won the World Cup in 1992, disagreed.
"Politics and infighting are due to weak management," Intikhab said. "Look at what Woolmer did to Pakistan cricket and (Greg) Chappell did to Indian cricket. Total mess."
Chappell quit the India job after Pakistan's arch rivals also flopped at the World Cup, a decision his elder brother Ian said was prompted by Woolmer's death.
All four South Asian cricket teams are currently looking for a new coach after the tournament in the Caribbean, with India having been snubbed by South Africa's Graham Ford and England's John Emburey. Sri Lanka bade farewell to their Australian coach Tom Moody on a high note after finishing runners-up to Australia at the Word Cup, while Bangladesh said goodbye to Whatmore. Meanwhile Pakistani batting legend Javed Miandad, who had three spells as coach ending in 2004, was also critical of the selection process.
"If computer know-how is all that matters, then (Microsoft chairman) Bill Gates should have been the best cricket coach in the world," Miandad said.
"I am grateful that they did make contact but at this point in time I have decided to coach private schools in Australia and am not inclined to take an international assignment," said Rixon, who has also been linked to Sri Lanka.
Whatmore was not immediately available for comment. PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf mentioned both Whatmore and Rixon earlier this week when asked on television about the criteria for Pakistan's next coach. Ashraf said he was still certain a suitable coach would be found.
"We will shortlist three to four candidates on Saturday and I hope that anyone who might have fears will review his decision," Ashraf told reporters in Islamabad late Wednesday.
Rixon had previously linked his decision about whether to apply for the Pakistan job to the findings in the Woolmer's case.
"I'm finding it extremely hard to get over the fact Woolmer is no longer with us, to be honest. I'd never say never (to going for Pakistan) but I'll be interested in the result of the inquiry," Rixon said last month.
Besides Rixon and Whatmore, Pakistan also targeted Englishmen Tim Boon and Martyn Moxon for the job. Ashraf on Wednesday defended his determination to hire a foreigner, saying that players like being coached someone from outside the country.
"We are looking for a young coach with computer knowledge. There is dissent between players and a local coach and a foreigner does not get involved in politics," Ashraf said.
Intikhab Alam, a former Pakistan captain and coach of the team which won the World Cup in 1992, disagreed.
"Politics and infighting are due to weak management," Intikhab said. "Look at what Woolmer did to Pakistan cricket and (Greg) Chappell did to Indian cricket. Total mess."
Chappell quit the India job after Pakistan's arch rivals also flopped at the World Cup, a decision his elder brother Ian said was prompted by Woolmer's death.
All four South Asian cricket teams are currently looking for a new coach after the tournament in the Caribbean, with India having been snubbed by South Africa's Graham Ford and England's John Emburey. Sri Lanka bade farewell to their Australian coach Tom Moody on a high note after finishing runners-up to Australia at the Word Cup, while Bangladesh said goodbye to Whatmore. Meanwhile Pakistani batting legend Javed Miandad, who had three spells as coach ending in 2004, was also critical of the selection process.
"If computer know-how is all that matters, then (Microsoft chairman) Bill Gates should have been the best cricket coach in the world," Miandad said.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
End of the Road for Dave Whatmore
Just a few days ago everything was going good for Dave Whatmore. While on one hand Pakistan Cricket Board was actively pursuing him as a replacement for Bob Woolmer on the other he was pursuing highly coveted and a much more lucrative Indian coach's position. And suddenly in a matter of days, it all came crushing down. The Board of Control for Cricket in India, BCCI, on Monday surprisingly ruled him out of contention for the India job during the specially-constituted seven-member meeting.
Former South African coach Graham Ford and former English spinner John Embury are believed to be the new choices for the coveted position. Former Sri Lankan skipper Arjuna Ranatunga also seems to be in the fray and has the backing of panel-member Sunil Gavaskar, according to a source.
Just about a few days back the dice was loaded in Dav Whatmore's favor, who has had an enviable record as a coach, as the India's new cricket coach. And suddenly there is this U-turn by the richest cricket board, who has the habit of surprising everyone with its acts.
BCCI began talks with Whatmore during the first Test between India and Bangladesh, even before his tenure was over with the Bangladesh Cricket Board. That prompted Whatmore to reject PCB's offer even before the negotiations began. Sources close to the Australian said that he declined the offer on the pretext that Pakistan is an indisciplined side. While it was also obvious that he wanted the India job much more than Pakistan job because of certain reasons not least of which was the pay package. Whatmore, during the 2007 World Cup, had already expressed a desire to coach India. He was more than keen to replace Greg Chappell.
Whatmore's tenure with BCB has come to an end. And then on Monday, the Pakistan Cricket Board too dismissed speculation that they were still awaiting an association with Dav Whatmore, while BCCI has categorically said that the Australian is out of contention which means that his bid to earn more too comes to an end.
Although there are still speculations that PCB might make a last ditch effort to get him to accept their offer, PCB has showed no signs of wanting him. With all these options closed for Dav, what more is left is a question that he will ask for himself in the coming days and months. At the same time if PCB makes a deal with Whatmore, it will leave Pakistani cricket fans bemused and they will sure question Whatmore's integrity and commitment because he had already rejected this job for a better position in the first place. We are waiting to see what unfolds in the coming few weeks.
Former South African coach Graham Ford and former English spinner John Embury are believed to be the new choices for the coveted position. Former Sri Lankan skipper Arjuna Ranatunga also seems to be in the fray and has the backing of panel-member Sunil Gavaskar, according to a source.
Just about a few days back the dice was loaded in Dav Whatmore's favor, who has had an enviable record as a coach, as the India's new cricket coach. And suddenly there is this U-turn by the richest cricket board, who has the habit of surprising everyone with its acts.
BCCI began talks with Whatmore during the first Test between India and Bangladesh, even before his tenure was over with the Bangladesh Cricket Board. That prompted Whatmore to reject PCB's offer even before the negotiations began. Sources close to the Australian said that he declined the offer on the pretext that Pakistan is an indisciplined side. While it was also obvious that he wanted the India job much more than Pakistan job because of certain reasons not least of which was the pay package. Whatmore, during the 2007 World Cup, had already expressed a desire to coach India. He was more than keen to replace Greg Chappell.
Whatmore's tenure with BCB has come to an end. And then on Monday, the Pakistan Cricket Board too dismissed speculation that they were still awaiting an association with Dav Whatmore, while BCCI has categorically said that the Australian is out of contention which means that his bid to earn more too comes to an end.
Although there are still speculations that PCB might make a last ditch effort to get him to accept their offer, PCB has showed no signs of wanting him. With all these options closed for Dav, what more is left is a question that he will ask for himself in the coming days and months. At the same time if PCB makes a deal with Whatmore, it will leave Pakistani cricket fans bemused and they will sure question Whatmore's integrity and commitment because he had already rejected this job for a better position in the first place. We are waiting to see what unfolds in the coming few weeks.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Aamir Sohail on Miandad as next Pakistani coach
Aamir Sohail today in an interview demanded that Javed Miandad to be immediately made coach of Pakistani coach. He said that Miandad is the best person to lead the young Pakistani team as a coach since he has the best cricketing mind. He mentioned that in 2004 Pakistani team was improving in Miandad's coaching but Woolmer was made a coach which was a huge mistake. He also said that the foreign coach experience for the Pakistani team has previously failed as well since Pakistani cricketers couldn’t speak English.
Its strange to see Aamir Sohail talking so highly of Javed Miandad since during his playing days, he didn’t have such a merry relationship with him, infect he was the Pakistan Captain in Miandad's last match in Pakistan colors against India during the world cup 1996 when he demoted Miandad to no. six position while batting effectively ensuring that he doesn’t play any role in Pakistan's recovery during the match. The match was eventually lost by 39 runs because of that mistake while Miandad was the last recognized batsman out trying to salvage some pride.
Its strange to see Aamir Sohail talking so highly of Javed Miandad since during his playing days, he didn’t have such a merry relationship with him, infect he was the Pakistan Captain in Miandad's last match in Pakistan colors against India during the world cup 1996 when he demoted Miandad to no. six position while batting effectively ensuring that he doesn’t play any role in Pakistan's recovery during the match. The match was eventually lost by 39 runs because of that mistake while Miandad was the last recognized batsman out trying to salvage some pride.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Steve Rixon Cautious about Pakistan Role
Although Steve Rixon, the former Australia wicketkeeper and New Zealand coach, has been sounded out as a potential coach of Pakistan but he said that the still unexplained death of Bob Woolmer has left him in doubt whether he wants the job. Rixon said whether he put in for the Pakistan position might depend on what police uncovered about Woolmer's death in Jamaica at the World Cup. He confirmed that he has been contacted by PCB but he also said he hadn't indicated if he was interested.
Rixon reportedly never applied for the Pakistan position but instead was contacted by the PCB because of his impressive record as New Zealand's coach from 1996 to 1999. Rixon also spent two years at the helm of Surrey from 2004-05 and has also had two separate stints as the coach of New South Wales. He hoped to return to the international ranks as John Buchanan's replacement to the Australian side but Tim Nielsen was chosen by Australia instead.
Rixon reportedly never applied for the Pakistan position but instead was contacted by the PCB because of his impressive record as New Zealand's coach from 1996 to 1999. Rixon also spent two years at the helm of Surrey from 2004-05 and has also had two separate stints as the coach of New South Wales. He hoped to return to the international ranks as John Buchanan's replacement to the Australian side but Tim Nielsen was chosen by Australia instead.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Whatmore Remains top of Pakistan's wishlist but he is more inclined to India Job
Dav Whatmore remains top of Pakistan's coaching wishlist as the search to replace the late Bob Woolmer enters its final stages. A three-man board committee has shortlisted 13 names from the many who applied. The names will be discussed at the next ad-hoc committee meeting of the board in mid-June and a final decision is still likely to be made by July 1.
Whatmore, who has just completed a four-year tenure with Bangladesh, is also thought to be a leading contender for the vacant Indian coaching post, though he has downplayed speculation that the deal is all but sealed. Cricinfo has learnt, however, that Pakistan are still interested if Whatmore does not go to India.
"He is our top choice but it will depend on how the India thing plays out," an official told Cricinfo. "India will probably be able to offer him more money but also probably twice the stress as in Pakistan." It is not known whether Whatmore applied formally for the position, which the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) advertised on its website in April.
Contact between the two parties has been acknowledged; Nasim Ashraf, chairman PCB, revealed earlier this month that the board had been in touch with Whatmore. Speaking to BBC soon after, Whatmore said, "I have not been formally approached by them. Somebody spoke to me on their behalf during the World Cup asking for my contact details but I have not heard from them since."
Whoever is eventually appointed, it is increasingly likely to be from outside Pakistan. Officials privately conceding that a local with requisite qualifications is not only rare, but prone to getting embroiled in internal politics within the team. "It has happened before with local coaches where there have been personality clashes and cliques being formed so it would be better to avoid that and get someone in without any vested interests," one official said.
Ashraf, however, stressed to Cricinfo that applications have come from locals as well as from England and Australia. "It is more important that he is suited to the job than what his nationality is. Ideally, we are looking for someone young, computer-literate and with fresh ideas. It need not be a big name. Someone without international experience, who is hungry and motivated to take on a challenge and prove himself internationally would be an option as well."
Tim Boon, the Leicestershire coach, has been linked with the position as was, at one stage last year, John Wright. A PTI report, quoting board sources, says that West Indians Roger Harper and Jimmy Adams have also applied. Though a decision is expected by July 1, Ashraf has reiterated that "there will be no hurry to make the decision and it has to be the right man."
Whatmore, who has just completed a four-year tenure with Bangladesh, is also thought to be a leading contender for the vacant Indian coaching post, though he has downplayed speculation that the deal is all but sealed. Cricinfo has learnt, however, that Pakistan are still interested if Whatmore does not go to India.
"He is our top choice but it will depend on how the India thing plays out," an official told Cricinfo. "India will probably be able to offer him more money but also probably twice the stress as in Pakistan." It is not known whether Whatmore applied formally for the position, which the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) advertised on its website in April.
Contact between the two parties has been acknowledged; Nasim Ashraf, chairman PCB, revealed earlier this month that the board had been in touch with Whatmore. Speaking to BBC soon after, Whatmore said, "I have not been formally approached by them. Somebody spoke to me on their behalf during the World Cup asking for my contact details but I have not heard from them since."
Whoever is eventually appointed, it is increasingly likely to be from outside Pakistan. Officials privately conceding that a local with requisite qualifications is not only rare, but prone to getting embroiled in internal politics within the team. "It has happened before with local coaches where there have been personality clashes and cliques being formed so it would be better to avoid that and get someone in without any vested interests," one official said.
Ashraf, however, stressed to Cricinfo that applications have come from locals as well as from England and Australia. "It is more important that he is suited to the job than what his nationality is. Ideally, we are looking for someone young, computer-literate and with fresh ideas. It need not be a big name. Someone without international experience, who is hungry and motivated to take on a challenge and prove himself internationally would be an option as well."
Tim Boon, the Leicestershire coach, has been linked with the position as was, at one stage last year, John Wright. A PTI report, quoting board sources, says that West Indians Roger Harper and Jimmy Adams have also applied. Though a decision is expected by July 1, Ashraf has reiterated that "there will be no hurry to make the decision and it has to be the right man."
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Pak cricket to undergo a major facelift: Ashraf
Bruised and battered Pakistan cricket is all set to undergo a major facelift, PCB chairman Naseem Ashraf said promising that the team would figure in the top three in next few years.
Pakistan cricket hit a low recently after their annihilation in World Cup which was followed by the mysterious death of national coach Bob Woolmer. A PCB commission set up to probe the flop show recommended, in its report, sweeping changes in the team as well as the establishment.
''I will not be commenting on the PCB Commission's finding that blames Inzamam-ul-Haq for the World Cup debacle. But I can assure you that every aspect of that report will be taken into account and all recommendations will be honoured and implemented,'' Ashraf said in an interview to Gulf News.
''There will no longer be any graded payments based on seniority but only on performance and the whole team has promised us that they will extend full support to new skipper Shoaib Malik,'' he said.
''When I walked in today, everyone tells that this is a new-look team. Every one is hungry for success, training hard and the change is visible,'' he said and added that PCB had told Malik not to worry about results.
Ashraf said the PCB was not looking for big names to coach Pakistan.
''We are not looking for a big name. Many have applied and by July 1, we will not only name a coach for the national team but also for the A team, under-19 and the Academy,'' he said.
''Within the Board also, corporate management techniques will be applied and we will deal with the players like professionals. We have earmarked over a billion rupees for development of grounds for first class cricket. Young players can learn to dive and field well at that level itself.''
Pakistan cricket hit a low recently after their annihilation in World Cup which was followed by the mysterious death of national coach Bob Woolmer. A PCB commission set up to probe the flop show recommended, in its report, sweeping changes in the team as well as the establishment.
''I will not be commenting on the PCB Commission's finding that blames Inzamam-ul-Haq for the World Cup debacle. But I can assure you that every aspect of that report will be taken into account and all recommendations will be honoured and implemented,'' Ashraf said in an interview to Gulf News.
''There will no longer be any graded payments based on seniority but only on performance and the whole team has promised us that they will extend full support to new skipper Shoaib Malik,'' he said.
''When I walked in today, everyone tells that this is a new-look team. Every one is hungry for success, training hard and the change is visible,'' he said and added that PCB had told Malik not to worry about results.
Ashraf said the PCB was not looking for big names to coach Pakistan.
''We are not looking for a big name. Many have applied and by July 1, we will not only name a coach for the national team but also for the A team, under-19 and the Academy,'' he said.
''Within the Board also, corporate management techniques will be applied and we will deal with the players like professionals. We have earmarked over a billion rupees for development of grounds for first class cricket. Young players can learn to dive and field well at that level itself.''
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