Date:28/01/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/01/28/stories/2005012809701800.htm

Sport - Cricket

Diplomatic manager to accompany Pakistan squad

ISLAMABAD, JAN. 27. Pakistan is planning to appoint a diplomatic manager for the all-important cricket tour of India beginning next month.

Pakistan President and Chief Patron of the PCB, Pervez Musharraf, is taking personal interest in the appointment, according to local daily The News.

"The President, during his meeting with Shaharyar Khan (Chairman, PCB), told him in clear terms that he wanted the best people to manage the Pakistan team in India, people who have the capability of creating Pakistan's positive image among the Indians," the daily quoted PCB sources as saying.

In keeping with the President's directive, the Board is planning to send a diplomatic manager, an associate manager, who would look after daily administrative matters and a media manager with the team to India, it said.

The sources also said that appointments would be made to the chief executive's post and the ad-hoc committee. However, it was not sure who were likely to be appointed to these top jobs.

"What is confirmed is that the Presidency will have a big say in the appointments," the sources said. — PTI