Would hiring of Pybus alter Miandad's position? (21 April 1999)

21 April 1999

Would hiring of Pybus alter Miandad's position?

Our Sports Reporter

KARACHI, April 20: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has succeeded in retaining South Africa coach Richard Pybus which may set the rolling for a possible ouster of Javed Miandad as coach of the World Cup which starts in England in 25 days.

According to information gathered, Pybus discussed his future with PCB chairman Khalid Mahmood on Tuesday.

Insiders in the PCB said Pybus informed Mahmood that he was still available despite being opposed by United Cricket Board of South Africa managing director Dr Ali Bacher.

Mahmood was not available for comments but PCB sources said an official announcement was likely in the next couple of days.

The PCB's successful efforts to get Pybus has enabled the board to consider options to release Javed Miandad from his duties.

According to insiders, Miandad is in tangles with senior players of the Pakistan team. In fact, during the Sharjah Cham-pions Trophy match against England, Miandad had a war of words with the senior players after Pakistan lost the match by 62 runs.

The players, according to sources, complained against the coach with the PCB chairman who was there as Cricketers Benefit Fund Series (CBFS) guest.

Mahmood, when inquired about the rift between the players and Miandad, without denying or admitting, said on Monday: "Pakistan dressing room is like a family and I don't like to discuss issues which shouldn't be known to public."

But Javed Miandad, apparently upset, had remarked: "My assignment is upto the World Cup. If they want to remove me now, it's upto them.

"I have many offers in my hand."

When Miandad was asked if he would like to continue after the World Cup, he diplomatically replied: "First let me finish with my first tenure."

On Tuesday evening, another surprise development raised suspicions that the PCB was seriously considering to end Miandad's contract prematurely.

Sarfaraz Nawaz was informed by the PCB that he would be going to England where his job would be to coach fast bowlers. Sources said Nawaz, who is hired by PCB at Rs 100,000 per month, will be available at Derby where Pakistan reach on April 27.

Javed Miandad was in Karachi on Tuesday and sources close to the former captain said he was seriously considering to resign.

However, Miandad continued to stress that he still had a very good working relationship with skipper Wasim Akram and other members of the team.

Source :: Dawn (https://dawn.com/)