Miandad seeks probe into loss against Kiwis

By Rizwan Ehsan Ali

ISLAMABAD, APRIL 8. Javed Miandad, Pakistan's former coach, demanded on Saturday that Pakistan Cricket Board should hold an internal inquiry against senior players for losing the one-day series against New Zealand.

Miandad was removed as Pakistan coach for the triangular series in Sharjah but the former Test skipper said that he himself stepped down from the post as he wanted some break from international cricket.

``I was asked by the Advisory Council to continue as coach for the Sharjah tournament, but I stepped down myself.''

An angry Miandad said that senior players let Pakistan down against Stephen Flemings Black Caps and there was some hanky panky by the senior players in New Zealand.

An inquiry should be initiated against them by the board as soon as possible because it was due to irresponsible attitude of the senior players that Pakistan lost in New Zealand, he said.

All the evidence of the matches are on tape. Batsmen played poor shots after scoring half centuries and bowlers didn't do what was the need of the hour.

``What do they (players) think? I am not a fool that I don't realise what happened in New Zealand? The main thing is that no coach can do anything if the players are not willing to listen to a coach. How can I go onto the field and play. I can only guide them and give them suitable advice. If they are not willing to listen, what can I do.''

Miandad agreed that senior players did not give their best on the tour of New Zealand and that was the main reason why Pakistan lost the series 3-2. ``The senior players tried to undermine my commitment towards the team and they always questioned my sincere advice.''

``No coach can do anything with a team whose players are not willing to listen to him. They have their own agendas. I challenge any foreign coach to come and get results with this team in the current scenario. But I really doubt if anyone will come when someone like me is not allowed to work sincerely and properly.''

Miandad was clearly upset with senior players and indirectly pointed his finger towards seasoned Wasim Akram. ``How many times have you seen Glenn McGrath starting the one-day international with so many wides? Our experienced bowlers gave away 70 odd runs in 10 overs which were too much.''

He challenged the PCB that without senior players Pakistan have lot of potential to win matches with young players. ``Its an open challenge. Give me a team of youngsters and I will produce positive results.''

Without naming any senior players, Miandad felt that when Justice Malik Mohammad Qayyum's report was made public last year, senior players were cautious. But as soon as the report came out they started playing their games because they knew there will be no more accountability.

He maintained that he had no grudge against any senior players but, ``it is they who cannot tolerate me for the simple reason I cannot compromise on patriotism, professionalism, team interest or the country.''

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