Boycott set for second stint in Pakistan

Former England opener Geoffrey Boycott has confirmed his availability for a second coaching trip to Lahore's National Cricket Academy.

The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board Tauqir Zia said that Boycott is due on May 21 for a week-long stay, and could be back again towards the end of the year.

The PCB has asked Boycott to visit Pakistan in September-October during a tour by New Zealand to guide senior players and to return to the Lahore academy.

"He has confirmed his availability for one week. He will inform us about his tour plans in September-October later," he said.

Boycott's first coaching stint, lasting nearly two weeks earlier this month, cost 30,000 pounds and was covered by a sponsorship deal with McDonalds. The fast food chain is once again likely to sponsor the Yorkshireman.

Zia said the PCB have also hired Essex curator Andy Atkinson, who will prepare pitches all over the country.

"If he completes soil testings of the pitches in time, we expect that he would prepare surfaces for the home series against New Zealand."

New Zealand are scheduled to pay a return visit in September-October for three Tests and as many one-day internationals.

Atkinson, currently hired by Sri Lanka, was behind the success of the ICC knock-out tournament in Kenya in October last year. He is on the International Cricket Council panel of curators.

Mail Cricket Editor