Lawson to remain Pak coach

By Mohammad Yaqoob

Karachi

July 4: Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf on Thursday denied rumours regarding the removal of Pakistan coach Geoff Lawson after the ongoing Asia Cup in Karachi.

Talking to Dawn, the chairman said there was no question about replacing Lawson since the team was improving under the Aussie coach. "There is absolutely no truth in the rumours that Geoff Lawson will be removed after the Asia Cup," the chairman stated categorically. "No such matter is under discussion."

Lawson’s recent row with the media during the Asia Cup and the news about his constantly strained relations with the selectors have fuelled speculations that the former Aussie pacer might be on his way out after the on-going Asia Cup, which will be much before his two-year contract expires in August 2009.

Meanwhile, the chairman, who returned from Dubai on Thursday after attending a series of ICC meetings there, said the change in the status of the Oval Test by the ICC — from forfeited to draw — was a big achievement of the PCB.

"But I would like to specially thank the ECB for not resisting the PCB’s proposal to change the status of the Test," he said. "In fact, the ECB was also not too convinced about declaring the Oval Test as a win in their record through an umpire’s decision, which was indeed debatable," he said.

By Arrangement With Dawn

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Pak get their version of IPL

By Our Correspondent

Karachi

July 4: Nasim Ashraf, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board announced the launch of the Pakistan Super League Twenty20 championships much on the lines of the Indian Premier League here on Friday. Ashraf said top foreign players would be invited and each team would have to play a minimum of two under-23 players in the playing XI. The PSL will have its inaugural edition start in September 2009.