PCB officials ganging up to oust Miandad

By Omar Khalid, Karachi, Jan 8: Several senior Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials have ganged up against Javed Miandad, the Board's Director General, local media reports suggested Thursday.

There were speculations that Miandad is considering resigning as several top PCB officials are threatening to quit after developing differences with the outspoken former Pakistan captain.

Reports also suggested that PCB chairman Ijaz Butt has gagged Miandad from giving out any statements, something that has irked the legendary ex-Test batsman.

However, Miandad has denied that he was considering quitting and said that it's the wishful thinking of a lobby that wants to sabotage efforts aimed at lifting Pakistan cricket from the prevailing crisis.

Miandad, who was appointed directly by Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari last month, was quoted as saying in an interview Thursday that he would never succumb to the pressure that is being exerted by "a lobby working against the interests of Pakistan cricket".

Senior PCB officials decided against keeping Miandad in the loop when they finalised the details of the players' central contracts. Miandad said that he was disappointed at being kept in the dark but was quick to add that he would continue working for the betterment of Pakistan cricket.

Meanwhile, sources in the PCB said that some senior board officials are actually unhappy with Miandad's input in several matters and are pressing Ijaz Butt to keep the former Pakistan captain away from day-to-day matters pertaining to Pakistan cricket.

However, sources close to Miandad said that he (Miandad) was unwilling to play a hands-off role in the PCB and is planning to strike back at the lobby working against him.

--IANS