Pakistan cricket team manager Yawar Saeed called on the PCB Chairman, Lt Gen Tauqir Zia to apprise him of the factors responsible for the dip in the side's performance in Rawalpini on Thursday.

In detailed briefing to the Chairman, Yawar recounted the reasons and incidents that had an adverse effect on the team's performance since the Morocco Cup three-nation tournament. The main factor, according to Yawar, was physical fitness of senior players and injuries to key players, such as Inzamam-ul-Haq and Yousuf Youhana. Youhana who is presently in Lahore is likely to be fully fit in next 2 weeks time. Inzamam-ul-Haq is in Karachi for second opinion regarding his injury. If operation is considered essential he will have to undergo surgery before regaining full fitness.

Yawar also requested that Chairman that due to his personal circumstances, he be relieved from his duties as manager. Yawar felt that because of his professional commitments back home, he would not be able to continue till March 2003. Especially because the Australian series, which Yawar had previously thought would be held at home, was now to be played on neutral venue.

Yawar, however, assured that Chairman PCB that his best wishes remained with the Pakistan team and the PCB. "They are highly capable and talented bunch, and I am positive that they would soon leave the recent disappointments behind them. I wish them all the luck", said Yawar.

Lt Gen Tauqir Zia most profusely thanked Yawar for his contribution to the cause of Pakistan cricket. "I have great regard for your work for the PCB in recent years, and I feel sorry that you have decided to leave for personal reasons", said Lt Gen Tauqir Zia.

Brig (Retd) Khawaja Nasir in the meanwhile has been appointed as manager of the Pakistan team. He would be joining the team shortly at Colombo, alongwith Mohammad Zahid, who has satisfied the PCB selectors with regards to his fitness, and Sikander Bakht, who has been reappointed as Analyst with the team.

Khalid Butt
Media Manager
September 26, 2002

© PCB