PCB body continues talks over captain and manager

Peshawar, March 4: The think tank of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) continued its deliberations over the choice of the new coach, manager and captain here in Peshawar, sources said.

The five-man advisory panel had also discussed these issues in Mangla on Friday.

Although it has been decided that Javed Miandad will be the new coach, there is a deadlock over the new manager.

Sources said there was a divided opinion on Brig (retd) Khawaja Ahmad Nasir. While a couple were supporting him, the others were pressing for the inclusion of Intikhab Alam.

Intikhab is the longest serving official of the Pakistan cricket team and the officials supporting him are arguing that his administrative experience should be utilized on such a demanding and difficult tour such as the West Indies.

Moin Khan's injury followed up by fever has also brought the discussions on the captain to an abrupt end. Officials are saying that without getting clearance regarding Moin's fitness, he can't be appointed the new captain.

The officials are presently evaluating on the other option if fitness becomes a hurdle. As things stand, the board appears to have no other option but to continue with Saeed Anwar.

With major issues still undecided, the announcement of the coach and manager, which was scheduled for Sunday, might be delayed, sources said.

PCB chairman Lt-Gen Tauqir Zia also had a meeting with chief selector Wasim Bari in the team hotel.

Not much was revealed but it was confirmed that the two discussed the line of action as Pakistan would be playing one-dayers in Sharjah and the West Indies before getting engaged in a three-Test series in the Caribbean.

Sources said the two discussed the pool of players from whom they would be picking the players for the one-dayers and Tests.