Pakistanis divided over
Boycott's assignment

Geoff Boycott arrives in Lahore next month to coach Pakistan hopefuls and local opinion is sharply divided over whether his presence is a worthwhile investment in the future or a waste of money.

The former England opener has been hired by the Pakistan Cricket Board at a cost of 30,000 pounds ($43,780) for 15 days. He flies in on February 4 and takes charge of the Pakistan Cricket Academy the next day.

"I think this is an investment which will benefit Pakistan cricket a lot," chairman of the board Tauqir Zia told reporters.

"He is one of the finest technicians of the game who can help Pakistani youngsters with his experience."

But some former Test players questioned the wisdom of such a huge outlay.

"I don't know what Boycott will tell the players in 15 days. It's a senseless investment," former captain and coach Intikhab Alam said.

The media, who have been extremely critical of the appointment, have questioned Boycott's coaching credentials but Zia was adamant that he does not need any coaching certificates.

"We have appointed Javed Miandad as team coach. He doesn't have any certificate. They are masters of the game and the world recognises them as maestros," Zia said.

"Boycott may be a Yorkshireman and his accent may be difficult for some but the language of cricket is the same everywhere," he said.

According to his contract Boycott will visit Pakistan every six months to supervise the cricket academy which becomes operational from February 5.

"We will ask him to visit after every six months to see the improvement of batting techniques in the backdrop of his guidance," Zia said.

Mushtaq Mohammad, a former coach and captain, said the players would be influenced more by the local coaches who would take over training after the departure of Boycott.

"Naturally Hanif (Mohammad) and Zaheer (Abbas) will teach the players according to their knowledge of the game and not what Boycott has told them," Mushtaq said.

Besides Boycott, the PCB have also contracted former Test opener Mudassar Nazar, who lives in England, for coaching.

Mail Cricket Editor