Javed Miandad speaking to PakPassion.net from Karachi, clarified that he had not made a definite decision as yet regarding the role of Batting Consultant.

 by Saj Sadiq

5 December 2010

 

Former Pakistan batting legend, skipper and coach, Javed Miandad stated that he had not turned down the role of Batting Consultant for the tour of New Zealand.

There were rumours circulating that Miandad who represented Pakistan on 347 occasions and scored 16,213 runs in an international career that nearly spanned 21 years, had turned down the role that had been offered to him by the Pakistan Cricket Board. However, Miandad speaking to PakPassion.net from Karachi, clarified that he had not made a definite decision as yet regarding the role of Batting Consultant.

“I’m going to Lahore tomorrow (Monday) and there should be further clarification regarding the matter once I’ve reached Lahore. There has been no definite decision as yet and there are just a couple of things that need to be clarified. I am not sure and it’s not yet been decided if I will be travelling to New Zealand with the squad or whether it will purely be a Pakistan based role.” 

Miandad’s experience and knowledge of the game is second to none and his work on the mental side of the game, as well as his technical knowhow has been appreciated of late by young batsmen such as Azhar Ali, with whom Miandad has worked with at pre tour training camps. Miandad’s guidance has also been appreciated by Under 19 squad members such as Azzem Ghumman and Pakistan “A” squad members prior to overseas tours, with whom he has worked at the National Cricket Academy.

Miandad confirmed that he was always ready to help Pakistan cricket in any way and that he takes great satisfaction in seeing improvements from the batsmen with whom he puts in a lot of effort and time. 

“My services are and always will be available to Pakistan cricket. I’ve always maintained that I am here to help the batsmen, whether it’s the youngsters or the senior players. My door is always open to any of the batsmen if they need advice, help and guidance. It’s an absolute honour to help Pakistan cricket and it’s very satisfying to see improvements in the batsmen after they have worked with me.”

There has been a huge outcry for the appointment of a batting coach or consultant after the disastrous display of the Pakistani batting lineup in England, where none of the batsmen reached three figures throughout the tour.

Whilst there was an improvement in the batting efforts against South Africa on the placid tracks of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the pitches in New Zealand are expected to present the Pakistani batsmen with another stern test of their credentials, and therefore Miandad’s services and help could be crucial and of great value.