Javed remains in contractual limbo

Two months into his fourth spell as Pakistan coach, Javed Miandad has yet to sign a contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board.

"I have not signed any contract with PCB, but I am hopeful the matter will be solved before the team's departure for England," Miandad told Pakistan's Dawn newspaper.

He denied suggestions that money was the sticking point. "There are some other reasons except that of money. I have no lust for money and more important dear to me are dignity and honour. I did not take a single rupee from PCB since rejoining the team as coach."

Miandad added that he would be happy to do the job under the terms of his previous contract. "That was a good package and I have no objection against that."

As befits a role which has changed hands ten times since 1998, there is confusion over the way that the coach is paid. Miandad is believed to be being rewarded on a match-by-match basis, with his salary equal to that of a senior player. Richard Pybus, his predecessor, was paid a daily rate.

Quite how much influence Miandad has in selection was thrown into doubt when he skillfully sidestepped questions regarding the side picked to tour England for three one-day internationals in June. "The team selection is the job of the national selection committee and finalising the playing XI is the responsibility of the captain," he said. "I am bound to give advice to both the selectors and the captain if they asked for it."