Intikhab almost quit

Peshawar, March 6: Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam on Sunday was persuaded to stay on when he had threatened to pack his bags in protest over the cricket board's decision to name Javed Miandad as his replacement for the forthcoming tours, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sources said.

The sources, requesting anonymity, said the crisis was averted late on Sunday evening when Intikhab, who was in the hotel lobby and ready to leave, was coaxed by the hierarchy of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to stay with the team.

"Intikhab strongly protested on the announcement of the new coach saying his pride had been hurt knowing that he is being replaced with more than four days' play in the second Test and the final Test remaining," sources said.

Intikhab, when approached, refused to confirm or deny the report. But sources added that the coach had agreed to stay as team official after the board officials promised that they would issue a denial on Monday, which they did.

Sources added that Intikhab, to make sure if the PCB had kept its promise, approached the organizers of the match during the tea break to seek the clarification letter issued by Yawar Saeed.

The chairman of the PCB, Lt. Gen. Tauqir Zia had told reporters here on Sunday that Intikhab was not in a position to demand an extension as his initial contract with the board was until the tour of Australia for the triangular one-day series.