PCB chairman unhappy with coach Lawsons performance

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) new chairman Ijaz Butt has said that he is unhappy with the performance of the national teams coach Geoff Lawson.

Islamabad, Oct 10 (ani): Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) new chairman Ijaz Butt has said that he is unhappy with the performance of the national team's coach Geoff Lawson.

"There is a need of improvement in the performance of the Pakistan team and Lawson has so far not succeeded," PCB Chairman Ijaz was quoted as saying in the Urdu language section of the BBC website.

"The previous management of the PCB could better tell what they expected from Lawson, but in my opinion he has not shown any notable performances," Ijaz stated.

Meanwhile, Ijaz's main problem will be to convince foreign teams that it is safe to tour Pakistan.

"Security is something which is not in our control. The government is dealing with that and I am confident that we will overcome this problem and bring international cricket back to Pakistan," he said.

Under Lawson's coaching, Pakistan lost both home Test and One-day International series to South Africa and was defeated 1-0 and 3-2 in the away Test and ODI series against old rivals India.

Pakistan also failed to qualify for the Asia Cup final at home in July when Sri Lanka successfully defended their title by defeating India in the final.

Pakistan's only highlights this year were convincing wins over Zimbabwe and Bangladesh - the two weakest opponents in top-tier cricket.

Ijaz also said that he would attend an ICC meeting next month and try to allay security fears.

Another priority of his will be to restore the image of Pakistan cricket, hit by doping controversies and a perceived lack of player discipline.

ANI