Cricinfo - Blogs - Pak Spin - Henry I, the Australian King of Pakistan

Problems remain. The language barrier requires an effective strategy; poor communication is the root of much disunity. Lawson is an untried coach at the international level, hence this is as much an experiment for him as it is for Pakistan. Most importantly, the PCB is yet to prove that it can support a professional coach with the required framework, management style, and wisdom.

But Lawson, a qualified optometrist, is familiar with recognising and treating myopia. From a tearaway fast bowler with a long, angular run; he has become a thoughtful and respected commentator on the game. All his statements during the convoluted selection process have demonstrated a well-considered enthusiasm for his new job.

Lawson's first task will be to revive Pakistan for the Twenty20 World Cup, a tournament that Pakistan will be expected to do well in. The longer objectives will be to improve Pakistan's performance in Australia, South Africa, and England, leading to the next World Cup, which has become the benchmark of a coach's success.

But many an enthusiast has been broken by the calamitous nature of Asian cricket. King Henry, for Pakistan's sake, must fare better.

Good move according to me.... dare to be different.... alwayz pakistan team...

In my opinion Dave Whatmore would have been a better choice for several reasons.
His experience with subcontinent teams
He was primarily a batsmen and Pakistan has a real problem in that respect.
He has a proven track record of doing well with mediocre teams.
Lawson is a gamble. He might do wonders or he might fail miserably just like Richard Pybus. Coaching is different ball game than playing international cricket. I am not sure about the coaching credentials of Lawson but I hope his international experience wasn't a reason for PCB to pick him as tha coach.

I think SMART choice by PCB this time.

GOOD Luck Lawson & Pakistan cricket :)

to me the most important aspect of Jeoff Lawson coaching will be how much authority and responsibility he will be assigned.

Because the reluctance of players for Dev Watmore shows that they are not ready to have any tough guy with a lot of authority and responsibility.

Best of Luck Mr. Jeff Lawson and welcome to Pakistan.

Dear Mr. Kamran,

At last Pakistan have named the coach and it's good for the players to know who they will berking with before a very hectic season starts.

Let's hope that Pakistan Cricket team becmes more consistent and give the marauding Aussie's a run for their money, because tough competition is needed at the international level, otherwise the Aussies are going to dominate the international stage as they have consistently dominated these last few years.

I believe this is a fantastic appointment. Not only is he an Australian but one that has played the game at international level. So he is aware of the wind and grind that cricketers go through. He is aware of the task ahead, a massive one at that but he has shown the enthusiasm and willingness to take on the position and succeed. That is the first obstacle that has been tackled. He really wanted the job. This appointment will also benefit Pakistan in the long run as Lawson will instill an Australian attitude into the team. A real team, work ethic that has been missing in Pakistan cricket. I believe in years to come we will look back at this appointment and applaud it.

I welcome the decision of making Geoff Lawson the incharge of Pakistan Cricket team. He seems to be a more aggresive individual than whatmore and it might be the thing that Pakistan Cricket needs. Though i beleive he might not have started out on the right foot than he ought to. Leaking his promotion before the official announcement does not exibit anything good about the man. Lawson should realize that this job brings as much senstivity as it may bring kudos. All the best, and lets get some prominent trophies now!

The PCB for once seem to have got it right with the appointment of Geoff Lawson. Infact a fast bowler's mentality is the preceription for the as yet undiagnosed and mysterious illness that has been plagued Pakistan Cricket for so long.
Let the bowlers live a little I say.

I have fond memories of seeing Lawson bowl in the eightees, which was an impressive sight. Hope he can add value to the upredictable cricket setup that we have in this country. Best of luck Geoff!

Pakistans problems are mostly related to batting. I dont see how he will improve the situation. A batting coach would have been better suited for the job.

i think thats the prefect choice for pakistan cricket. In the past pakistan has been reknown for their fighting spirit, which they had feeded through classic pace bowling attack.

I think that foreign coach isn't better for Pakistani team, because there will be a big communication gap between coach and uneducated player.In my view Javed Miandad is best coach for Pakistan cricket.

To me the better choice was watmore, as he had all the experience of the subcontinent, but now as lawson has been selected that its a mere truth, that he will also face same problems that woolmer once encountered, and to coach pakistanis not an easy Job
Best of Luck Lawson

Like any other thing a coach has its on shell life. So as far as whatmore is concerned that is over for him. He has been in coaching for long time now. What pakistan needs right now is the new and fresh person and Lawson is the ideal one.

I think Lawson is alright because the PCB believes and thats on record that the coach is not there to teach something to the players. Thus, the batsmen need to go to the academy and learn and fine tune themselves.

Lawson is a gamble for trembling pakistani cricket. i think whatmore was the best choice in present circumstances... he has spent alot of time and work in Asia and knows the nerves well....
but player power always wins here... lets hope it will work.

Pakistanis have this habit of praising the rising sun and in awarding titles and accolades to every Tom, Dick, and Harry. They praise them to the extent of adoring and worshiping them especially, when they think a messiah has arrived on the scene! They love to carry him on their shoulders to the throne, leave no stone unturned in praising and comparing him with the greatest of the great. As soon as the tide changes, they are equally very quick in dumping, dethroning and dishonouring the same person and hurling abuses and decorating him with garlands of garbage and sandals.

Now, is the time that we all would be seeing comments on the blog like, "fantastic choice, great choice, smart choice, better than Dav, what more do you want?" Wait for sometime and you will hear, US$240,000 per year salary, what did he deliver in return? Miandad would have been better, aNO Akram would have been better. The PCB has gone bonkers etc. (I am agree here)

God saved Bob Woolmer from character analysis to mere blemishes and, God bless the so-called King Henry Lawson! FYI, the nick name Henry is not from King Henry I or II, but he is named after the Australian bush poet Barcroft Henry Thomas Boake.

The positive aspect of this appointment is that Pakistan now have an aggressive captain with an aggressive coach and Pakistan are at their best when they play postively. The downside is that coach specializes in an area where the team is already very good - fast bowling. The traditional weak link is batting, especially opening. That I fear may remain an unresolved issue.

Good News in Pakistani Cricket after a very long time. I guess he will be a better choice. PCB has seem to taken some good steps recently.
1. S Malik is not ashamed to learn English Language and PCB has also hinted that English and communication lessons will be made compulasary for all those getting trained in their acadamies.
2. Central contract system for regional players.
3. Bowler friendly wickets for domestic matches.
4. Reviving cricket at school level which seems to have disappeared from Pakistani Circuit.

All these are the signs that the present PCB chairman, he has been a failure so far, has the vision and desire to do something beneficial for Pakistani Cricket. It remains to be seen how sucessfully and professionaly he implements his plans and groom his vision for the prosperity of cricket in the country. However, I wish him a good luck and strongly desire that the new coach as well his vision fruitfully serve cricket in Pakistan.

Good luick guys and work sincerely as God help those who want to help themselves.

Teh support staff will be key. Most importantly just as we needed a bowling coach under Woolmer, we need a batting coach under Lawson. My favorite candidates would be Shoaib Mohammed or Asif Mujtaba. I think you need a local presence as far as coaching is concerned and these guys played cricket in the no too distant past. Not sure if either is available, but I would definitely have a local batting coach.

Pity Ranatunga and others who back stabbed Whatmore. Ranatunga especially paints a disgusting picture as Whatmore helped him and Sri Lanka to win the World cup. Hope Whatmore lands a good county coach contract.

No one know how good Lawson will be, but he seems like a suitable choice. I am glad Dav didn't get the job. We want someone who is willing to work with us and we are the first priority. Dave's first choice was India and he only considered Pakistan after being dropped by the Indian Board. I also didn't like the manner in which he left Bangladesh.
A fast bowler as a coach is a good choice. Our bowling improves and when our batsmen play our improved bowlers they also improve. A win win situation. Best of luck to Pakistan.

I completely agree with the appointment of Geoff Lawson over Dav Whatmore. Best of luck to Henry!

The King is Dead! Long live the new King!!! I don't really have a problem with Geoff - The problems is with Pakistani so called experts - I Wonder how many are already rubbing their hand together planning, scheming, conniving their next move and praying that Pakistani Cricket Team doesn’t do well all because they are not in charge anymore - You have been warned Mr. Javed Miandad, Mr. Sarfraz Nawaz..Etc, etc

Pakistani cricket is in turmoil and i honestly dont think lawson will do any good

I have yet to understand why Lawson ,who has been a bowler .How can he guide the batsman to bat & what tips he can give to seasoned player (BATSMAN).For the bowlers yes he can be a treasure for them .I think PCB should hire Miandad or Zaheer Abbas or Mushtaq Mohammad as a with lawson as a head coach .Then the it balances .At this juntire nothing seems to be balance .Nothing against Lawson he is good .One thing is very important that the English will improve of all the players as well .Which is a very precise problem also of our players.
God Luck lawson.Welcome on board......

Dav Whatmore is what the Pakistan team needs rightnow. He has the no non-sense type attitude and that's exactly what the team needs rightnow. Our team needs DISCIPLINE and Dav has the proven record with prior teams. If the so called "Boys" on the team didn't like Dav its because they don't want to work hard. I'm sorry if I sound harsh but we just have soo much talent on this team not to NO.1 in the world.!!!! Either way, best of luck to our newest coach.

Once again players’ power in Pakistan cricket proves crucial to enforce the decision making and lack of steel in its determination in PCBs management board. What a shameful and despicable decision to appoint a less experienced former pace-man of Australia. I must quote here the legendary Hanif Muhammad which he made during the interview stage of the candidates for applying the post of coaching the Pakistan’s senior team.
"I wonder over the wisdom of PCB inviting Lawson and Done for the job. Both were basically bowlers and Pakistan's weakness has been batting failure as the bowlers have done far better. What these men will do to improve our batting?"
Now enough said by the little master Hanif sahib and I can predict more disaster in the shape of successive chain of humiliations which will grace to Pakistan cricket in coming months. Good luck PCB and to our lazy players and welcome to another chapter of Pakistan cricket’s humiliation packed era under the behest Lawson mate and his bunch of white elephants (Pakistani players).

A very fine selection from PCB. Geoff Lawson has large influence over the Australian style of cricket and especially the blowers. In contrast, Dav Whatmore is a bit strict in his approach although very keen at improving the players. But he was going to be treated the same way as Miandad was treated by many senior players when he tried to guide seniors asking for their commitment to the game. Geoff Lawson obviously a better international player than Whatmore, may prove to be much more suitable for coaching Pakistan cricket team. BEST OF LUCK to GEOFF Lawson.

‘A gamble’ is the best way to describe the appointment of Geoff Lawson as the new Pakistani coach.

I’m not sure what the thinking is behind this appointment but I do wish it success and hope it transfers Pakistan as one of the most talented & skilful sides into ‘The Best Side’.

I personally would have opted for Dav Whatmore who is a proven & successful coach but more importantly he was more familiar with the culture. We only have to look back at India’s appointment of Greg Chappell and it’s failure. One of the key reasons was he could not adapt or understand the culture.
The other bemusing thing is that it would be fair to say that Geoff Lawson’s strength will be in his coaching of the bowling department. Yet it is well documented that it’s Pakistan’s batting that needs the attention. BUT it can also be argued that at the level he will be coaching at, players will not need coaching and it is in fact subtle changes that are done…a tweak here and a tweak there. As players at that level will or should know what to do.
I have a sneaky feeling that Lawson will be concentrating on the mental side of the team and trying to install the Australian mentality and marry that with the Pakistani talent in order to create a team that can be on top of the tree.

Now that the decision has been made I hope all will wish him the best!

So the cat is out of the bag. Today onwards Pak cricket turns a new page. An untried coach and a new look team with a rookie captain, makes for very interesting times ahead. I hope at least once PCB makes some efforts to nurture new talent and bring out the best in our raw talent. I would think that appointment of Mansoor Akhtar as a batting coach wouldn't be a bad idea, he was touted to be a straight bat and technically correct batsman in his times unfortunately didn't see much success at international level but his batting skills and home record is something to go by. Good luck Pakistan!

For once I feel sad for Dave Whatmore .It is a classic case of bad luck or what else you say ? Whatmore is a proven performer that too in subcontinent.He has the credit of taking Bangladesh ,a minnow ,to enter Super Eights while so called super coaches like Greg Chappell & Bob Woolmer failed to do so even with reputed sides.

Sri Lanka was no where when he joined as coach and they won the World Cup

Despite that India dumped him after giving him lots of hope without assigning any reason what so ever.at that point I thought that India's loss is Pakistan's gain.It was almost sure that he will be the coach for Pakistan.Now the same old story.I am not questioning the ability of Lawson to be a coach.But as you have rightly pointed out

I am unable to understand the "we need a coach" mindset prevalent in the sub continent. What is the coach supposed to do? Coach cannot select the team, because we selectors doing that. Coach cannot correct technical issues, because we have bowling and batting coaches for that. Coach cannot plan strategy, because we have a captain for that. If guys who have played hundre's of matches between themselves can't figure things out themselves....then either they are not good enough or don't want to take responsibility for their performances....in either situations they should not be in the team in the first place. Having a coach, that too a foreign one, is just a ploy to hide structural deficiencies in the system and to have someone to blame for dismal performances. If you want to have a coach, have him coach the junior and A teams, not your national team.

Better luck Mr. Lawson and Pakistan Cricket, but be sure about the main problem of Pakistan cricket team. Batting is our main problem so please work on it.

For the 1st time i believe that PCB has made the right decision. Lawson has a tough task ahead and after reading his comments on this website;it tells a lot.

He has commitment and a fighting spirit about this job but what Pakistani players needed is a "strong and disciplined mentor" thats the real thing and we all are willing to see that in Lawson's coaching but but but remember the incident of Greg Chappel....... don't imitate Chappel,Henry!

His point was right but his way wasn't ..and I am sure that Lawson must have learned from it that subcontinental culture is totally different from Australian culture and thats the first thing required for this job.

Hope he will deliver what he said! He have to improve Pakistan's fitness problems, playing on green wickets and opening problems.Hope we get positive results

Good decision ! In the previous thread about coaching, I had mentioned that Lawson seems to be the right man. He visited Pakistan in 1983 when Australia were whitewashed by Imran Khan & Co. Mind you he was the best Australian bowler during that tour and also a fighting tail-ender. Most importantly he has the attitude and was excited about coaching Pakistan.

PCB once again yielded to player power as most of the senior players and key management personnel were against the appointment of Dav Whatmore.

Geoff Lawson might help improve some of the fast bowlers but I don't think that he will be able to help any of the batsmen and since he does not have any experience of international coaching he might not be able to help Shoaib Malik in strategy and planning,the senior players and the key members of the management voted for a weak coach so that their role in the decision making is not diminished.Most of the players will still look towards local coaches at the academy in times of need,in reality Lawson will be a dummy coach and the ultimate sacrificial Goat.

Excellent choice. I do think with the right combination of discipline, grit and people management, Pakistan cricket can soon reach glorious heights again.

I'm an Aussie and have plenty of respect for Henry's knowledge of the game, however, I'm not sure that he has the goods for this job. I honestly wish him and Pakistan well. Good luck!

I am writing on this blog after a while. I used to have an opinion on any subject that involved Pakistan. But now I am confused about everything that involves Pakistan ranging from Politics to Cricket. May Allah help Pakistan.

Every one keeps banging on about needing a batting coach as if our bowling is the best in the world. Our bowling is stronger not strong. We undoubtedly have huge talent in the department and we need someone like Lawson to get the best out of the them. Theres no point in crying about our batting as it won't be much better with a batting coach. Did Miandad/Woolmer do much to improve our batting abroad? With Akhtar lookin for a last hoorah, Asif lookin to be the best, Gul looking like he could lead an attack, Rao Iftikar lookin like he has some guts and Sami, urm, well he's still around, we got to make them our strength. build on them and make them feared. Who better than a fearsome fast bowler. Good luck Geoff

I would just reiterate my words that the role of the coach is just a hype of the media & ex-players.
Its the leadership of a captain that makes difference not the highly qualified coach.
People are saying that coach should be local. C'mon grow up, we are living in an era where geographical boundaries are diminishing with every passing moment. Its the people belonging to same school of thought coming close together instead of people belonging to same geographical area.
So the word local is just an obsolete one.

Sorry I cant understand formula behind hiring "foreign coach". I'm happy a fast bowler came as coach to Pakistan ,they have good and raw fast bowlers like Shoaib, Asif etc ,there are so many genuine quick bowlers in Pakistan so Lawson may be helpful to them, but Pakistan has own good fast bowling coaches like Sarfaraz Nawaz, Wasim Akram , Waqar Younis etc; why don't you hire them ,whats the problem in that . Please avoid hiring foreign coaches,and have our own ex- players as coaches.

Some time it works when you have foreign coaches,but its best to have our own coach You see the Australian side; they won't select foreign coaches from the beginning thats why they still no.1 side.

Has anyone been privy to the selectorial process by the PCB in choosing Geoff Lawson over the other two applicants? What were the similarities, differences, qualifications of the applicants that made or broke their chances? Primarily, what were the issues that undid the chances of Dav Whatmore? Does anyone know about Ranatunga's reasons for suggesting that Dav would not have been the appropriate choice of coach? Now that it's a done deal, I'm hopeful that the team can get behind the new coach and be accepting and supportive of his methods. If any team player is resistant to Lawson's coaching, it remains to be seen whether that will create rifts and little cliques that could derail the process. We only have to look at the Chappell project, as well as the news that the late Bob Woolmer could only do so much because of the control exerted by the captain.

I am impressed with the bold decision. A feisty fast bowling coach may just give the team the edge that has been missing. I like it!

Well said Kamran. The task is a tough one but going by Lawson's profile, He might be able to overcome the hurdles (mainly the different cricket culture). This is a new beginning for Pakistan cricket with many youngsters and a new beginning for Lawson as well as first ever international coaching assignment. Only time will tell if they both compliment each other and grow together or not.

Lawson should follow the footsteps of Bob Woolmer and implement his vision of the pakistan team by meticulous planning and fastidious execution.

As long as they go out play their natural game and give it their all i will be happy.

After all we know that it was the cornerred tiger that won in 92.

Lets not get caught up in technique let pure talent take over with a dash of passion.

Wasim Saqib, there you go. You made a valid point that the "player power" lead to Lawson's appointment. The PCB must have also realized this weakness and agreed to the senior player's demand to keep Dav out and bring in Lawson knowing his weaknesses also in keeping their own interest ahead i.e., in poking their nose in every matter and that too every now and then.

Gaurav has also made a point about keeping the coach's role at the academy level and not at the national level. I have said this b4 and reiterate my point again that, this foreign coach business is a fad and Pakistan is doing just the same as others i.e., keeping up with the Joneses, c'est ca.

I am unable to understand why we are looking for the foreign coaches when we have great minds here in Pakistan. Why dont we give chance to aaqib Javaid who has already proved his credentials by bringing Pakistan cricket at top in junior level.

No dout Lawson is good. But Pakistani players need a local coach. I tink Aqib Javed or Waqar Y would be better Choice. Lets hope Lawson do well.

PCB has shown to put personal ego over country again. Whatmore was by far a better choice: proven at international level and surely far superior to Mr Lawson. Even though some camps within PCB did gun hard for Whatmore, the higher ups as usual chose like the Indian board and did not take on someone who may be too 'strong' to handle. Not taking on Whatmore is another sign of weakness by Mr Ashraf, who could have done much better to leave his ego at the door. Time will tell. Good luck nonetheless!

I would like to wish Geoff the best of luck in trying to coach the Pakistan team, because he will surely need it.

I saw where Dav Whatmore was overlooked because one of the things were he would have worked the players hard. These players need to understand they are being paid to do a job and someone is being paid to get the best results out of them. They players do need someone to pat them on the back as well kick them in the behind when they do need it. Pakistan has the best talent the world period! How to use that talent is another story. Talent can only get you so far but hard work and dedication will get you almost anything. Way too much is made of these players minimal achievements by the media so much so that the players do belive all the hype by the press and hot air that is being blown up their rear end by the fans. Many of these players are way to spoiled and pampered for any coach to get maximum results out of them.

If this coach is left to do the job without interference from the various factions in Pakistan cricket he may have a good chance to be successful. If not mediocrity will continue as it has been since 1992.

My money was on both Lawson and Whatmore. Dav has proven himself with sub-continent teams and Lawson has to prove himself. I think he will prove himself to every one that he is a good coach. His 'get on or Get lost' philosophy will be a testing time for the pakistani players especially for Shoaib Akhter. People say that Steve Waugh and Mark Taylor become finest captains under him, let's see if Malik can do the same.

A good move for sure to have Lawson as coach, hope he can deliver.. and hope he given a free hand in selection process too and some new faces from under 19 are tried rather than bringing old guys like Misbah, Taufeeq Umer, Faisal Iqbal etc as they have been given countless chances. Hey Lawson, please introduce 18 or 19 years old as they got fighting spirit. get them in young is what Imran use to say and he proved it. See Wasim, Waqar or even Aqib all came young. They were all match winner aso my advice to the PCB chairman is to make a wise decision and bring some players from the under-19 level. Believe me it will work.

Pakistanis also have the tendency to disagree for the sake of disagreeing. If people see a lot of support on something they will offer an opposing point of view just to stand out. Some people will pretend to know the future, and so forth.
It is important to have perspective. PCB went through the process admirably. They did not rush through it. They did the best job they could have under the circumstances. If it turns out well, good for Pakistan. If it dosen't, it would not be the first time but at least we can be sure that people went about it the right way. For all the cynics out there, it's too early for me to be reading about your prophecies of doom.

Excellent decision. Lawson is the most ideal coach for this job. He seems to have the motivation to prove himself. Also he seems energetic and fresh. He gives the impression of a person who wants the best from his players but who will try his best to win over the players.

"Lawson" was the best available choice for Pakistan and I'm really pleased with PCB to have appointed him.
For those who still think that "Dev Whatmore" should have been selected, "He was the one runing behind big money(for india's job) and Pakistan was always his 2nd choice", Why should we go for such a person?, who's first choice is only money & glamour.
Weldone PCB, good luck Pakistan cricket and good luck Geoff Lawson.

Always enjoy Mr Abbasi's articles. What I would like to know is what exactly was Whatmore's undoing? how could Pakistan or India let this guy go when he has such a wonderful track record and was so keen on the job?

The moment I heard that Dav Whatmore was more interested in the India job, it seemed logical for Pakistan to look elsewhere. I do not fault Dav Whatmore for vying for the Indian Job --- after all the money is over 3 times that of Pakistan.

Then there was the Wild Card entry of Geoff Lawson … frankly speaking, his demeanor throughout the selection/interviewing process has been exemplary --- he has been excited about the challenge, respectful to the players and the administration and also a little nervous --- which is all very natural.

I think that Geoff Lawson is the RIGHT choice because he is young with a burning desire to prove his credibility and has the aggressiveness of an Australian fast bowler. He comes with the right baggage to stand next to the egos of Shoaib, Asif, Afridi and Younis to command respect and COACH them --- rather then to appease them.

I am cautiously optimistic about this decision by the PCB and hope that both Pakistan Cricket and Geoff Lawson are able to benefit from this engagement.

I think Lawson is the best choice. Dave had a good record but if you look at the history his record is limited to subcontinent alike tracks.
We needed some one who has done some work with the modern Aussies Cricket. During Dave times Aussies were not as advance as they are now.

Someone once said its better to work on your stregnths rather than try to improve your weaknesses... but let me point out... bowlers win Test matches... and we have enough depth in batting to win one dayers... people like Malik, Afridi and Razzaq are our trusty ODI specialists... and by hiring lawson two things can be worked upon... firstly the mentality because he can install the tough giving a 100% mentality in our players which he said is what happens in the Australian camp... secondly we all noticed our bowling struggled once waqar was removed as bowling coach... the batting did not thrive when Miandad was coach or when Woolmer was coach but it was apparent we needed a fast bowler as our coach... and if we did need a batting coach then look no further than Miandad but he cant be head coach... for obvious reason e.g. players lacking respect for him, alredy had three stints, and obviously if he did become coach it wont be long before he is shoved out of the position as done previously. I hope lawson can make our batsmen mentally tough and our bowlers accurate. Lawson was always a better candidate than Done I believe and Whatmore, well he always wanted the indian job.. sorry he is just looking for more money.. he left Bangladesh when he heard about interest in him from Pakistan and India , but he preffered the Indian probably because they were able to give him a better salary... and now he must be disappointed because not only did he get neither the Indian job nor the Pakistani, he is currently unemployed and deservingly so... for the lack of passion. I hope Lawson can groom malik to be a great captain. Goodluck Lawson and the rest of the team.

ASsalam-o-alaikum, i feel its a healthy step towards the improvement of pakistan cricket. Lawson being a fast bowler may induce wonders in our players, his fervent nature may spark the right attitude in the team and the right frame of mind, which we have always been lacking in the past, except in Wasim Akram's era... A dynamic personality is all what we needed and Lawson might just be the right man!

I guess Dav whatmore has been left eating his own words when he had initially shunned the Pakistani's proposal(saying that the team wasn't hard working enough) for India and at the end had to come back and yet still lost the hot seat. As witnessed, with all the boards be it the SriLanka or Bangladesh,his attitude when leaving the post was unusual and quite sad for the teams that termed him as their "father figure." With his track record he might still get a chance but i feel after being left out by the Indian and now the Pakistani Board he might just try out a county.Geoff might give a more educated,professional approach towards the team and for that our best wishes to him.

first of all i would like to share my opinion and sadness for the Whatmore because he is very experienced coach and he knows the asian conditions very well but on the other hand Jeff Lawson is also very experienced coach and he can do well,But ithink the coach for Pakistani team would be nay Pakistani not any foreigner because if you would like to select a foeigner coach for this you would have to teach english to pakistani players because they cannot understand english except some players.

if the PCB had a brain, they would also hire 3 specialists in areas such as fielding,batting and bowling .. please sort it out

its a real cop out going for lawson...they basically bottled it..clearly arjuna ranatungas had an influence..dav whatmore would have been the ideal choice..an inspiring coach who won the 96 world cup, he has grasp of sub continent feelings and nature and hes a strict worker...i think after the adolf hitler like captaincy of inzi the people wanted to relax and so they went for lawson...i cant see him inspiring ...poor decision by pcb

I still can't understand why Whatmore was not chosen. Here is a man that has a wonderful record of taking weak, moderately talented teams and improving them significantly. Plus, he has the additional advantage of having worked with a team that has cultural proximity to Pakistan in Bangladesh. He is literally the perfect candidate for Pakistan.

Players are throwing the toys of their pram at the prospect of hard task-master? Throw out the bloody players.

As for Ranatunga's alleged negative comments on Dav, I have to say that it was shocking. I can't understand why he would do that.

i think lawson ,will be the right chioce for pakistan cricket becoz after shoaib akhtet all bowlers r new to international cricket,and they have less experience too.Bowling is always the wining weapon for pakistan team and lawson is also a bowler so i hope he ,ll bring pakistani bowling right back on track.he needs to work on Muhammad sami, umer gull &Asif alote becoz these r the future of pakistan bowling.Why i,m happy with lawson as a coach of pakistan becoz this is his 1st coaching job ,and i,m hoping he ,ll do it .

Lawson could make an excellent bowling coach.But the batting is the real problem.Additionally , no one on the team can communicate in English . So , a good starting point would be ESL for all cricketers.

I opted for Dav Whatmore in the begining purely due to his past credentials as a head coach but as I came to understand the polity and strength of Pakistani cricket. I now personnaly beleive Geoff Lawson is the right choice for our team. Welcome Geoff!. Many people on this blog have argued that our batting is problematic and we need a batting cum head coach. But one has to understand that our strength is bowling. You win the games by two means. Either batting(offense) or bowling(defense). Pakistan has always had that killer instinct. And just as the saying goes "Defense wins the game" I think Lawson will have a great impact on our bowling side and he will bring out that killer instint in the players which has been missing since 2'W's era.(Remember we piggy back rode the bowlers to win the world cup). It is very hard to wig the game sin both departments. So just if we strengthen ourselve sin the bowling we do not really need to worry too much about our batting foes. We do have some quality batsmen that shine from time to time. That is all we will command from them. As long as our bowlers perform most upto the par. I see a good run into the next world cup. This is not to say we neglect the batting department. We do need a strong batting coach alongside. I welcome PCB's decision to allow Lawson to bring his own personnel on board. Dr. Naseem Ashraf has finally instilled some into our polity of cricket. Good Luck Dear Lawson!.

Sitting in US and watching the team during the late 80s and early 90s high to current low, I feel that Lawson is not what we needed. We need coaches who can communicate better than what we saw in Bob Woolmer's case. The level of Education in our cricketeres is a shamefully low. How do they ever fully understand a foreign coach. Dr. Nasim Ashraf would know this problem well since he lived abroad for a long while as well. I fail to understand why we insist on excellence in our coaches that has no chance of a transfer to the team. Our system is producing very talented players but they remain poorly educated and speak none or very basic English. I would hope that Dr. Ashraf has given this matter a thorough thought before taking a risk that could cost our game a few years of lows and more importantly for PCB "MUCHO DENERO".

I think this could turn out to be a brilliant move by the Cricket Board. They deserve credit for not 'playing it safe' by appointing Whatmore as the coach. Geoff Lawson certainly seems really motivated to coach an international team and if he is able to get through to the players, Pakistan could actually start giving Australia a tough time. I was really disappointed to read the negative feedback from our former players. But I guess then again, pessimism and criticism is really the only thing they are good at!

I think Lawson is "THE MAN" to coach Pakistan, For those who are criticizing him should know this for a fact that he was the one who influenced Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh, the later being the founder of the Modern Aussie Team.
As far as Lawson being a bowler is concerned and David Whatmore being a batsman, with due respect i think if any batsman has a technique problem at international level, he should straight away go back to the academy, the Australians do it and thats y they are the best, y cant be and y should we not.
Lawson's power is respect, authority, positive attitude and hard work. I am sure he is the correct person to give this new Pakistani Team a competitive look which after Wasim Akram we have all waited for.
Best of luck Lawson and the Pakistani Team, My prays, hopes and support is with u all :)

Good decision PCB. Bring the winning attitude and concentrate on mental toughness. Pak has to be open to new ideas and not show signs of a closed and paranoid musim mind. Be open to change and you will conquer. Good luck!

The onus for improvement lies with the players. They will make or break Lawson. At the end of the day, the coach does just that coach, its the players that nned to perform on the field.

Pakistan has had some excellent coaches in the past, but with each one they showed temporary improvement and then down the abyss again.

Unfortunately, until we see serious organisational changes at the top and a change of attitude at the grass roots level even the best coach is bound to fail in Pakistan. Lawson is far to organised for an unruly lost like Pakistan.

I like the choice of Lawson but If players voted for him because they were not comfortable with Whatmore's hard work policy then I believe Lawson can't do anything and the things wont change much in the long run.

Jeff is better than Dav under the circumstances. The guys like him and it is their recommendation. Good luck Jeff and good luck Pakistan. It ain't going to be easy. Have a pleasant and safe sojourn with Pakistani team, media and public

Well I think the onus on the team...how well we let him coach....I hope the politics in the team dies and we can work...I guess a good coach can help but cant do wonders....So dont expect miracles!!!

Geoff - Welcome to the Jungle.

I cannot agree with you more on "Geoff "Henry" Lawson, has been chosen to wear the crown of thorns". Another scapegoat is hired by incompetent PCB. I'm not surprised to see very Pakistani fans welcoming his appointment, who were advocating apointment of local coaches on plea of language barrier. Now what has changed? Have Pakistani cricketers taken English crash course or Lawson is hired for that?????
Problem with PCB and current Pakistani stars(that's what they think they are) is they cannot respect their own people, x-players or seniors. They would rather take stuff from any foreigner of white origin.... Story does not end here and probably will never...

93% of the matches that Pakistan has lost is only due to its batting failure. Come on every one..Pakistan is probably the only country having produced lethal world class fast bowlers in the past. You can't even compare Lawson with the W's or the rest..you cant even stand lawson even close to the any one of the W's. But just because they are pakistanis, and for any failure, political or in the game, the blame goes to our selves, our own players..we simply forget thier great achievements..I am not against lawson, but what? the batsmen got out against ireland in the WC not the bowlers..you needed a batting coach..not just a new comer to deceive your own perceptions..Just bcs he is australian and a fresh person as a coach..u get him..his callibre is just like rana naveed of present, or Azeem Hafeez of Tahir Naqqash of the past!! can u think of bringing them as your bowling coach, let alone your MAIN COACH??

Since the Paki players do not like to work hard that is why they have chosen Lawson.
Just look at the Bangladesh team during the world cup when they beat SA and Ind with Whatmore and after the world cup in Srilanka tour.
I would say best choice was Wasim Akram as he is a master of politics in Pakistan cricket and he can tackle all the players. Atleast then Pak would miserably loose in the final but not in the initial stages agains Ireland.

Finally it’s about time PCB has done something right and daring by appointing Lawson as Pakistani new coach. I would like to pose a question to all those who are crying about having a batting coach ( ya de ya de ya da ) Late bob woolmer was batter and what good did he do in 2 years to make heads way in batting department nothing. My point is that you can’t teach new tricks to old dog. I can’t imagine altering or teaching Yousuf, Shoaib, Younas, Salman any new techniques. It will make them confuse and weak and you can’t afford to do that at this point of time. We chose them to represent Pakistan on international level becaz we were satisfied with their batting techniques. What Lawson can do is to give them the mental toughness. The right attitude to go about and win matches for Pakistan. How to handle pressure in certain situations and not lose focus. I have a faith that Lawson has the right attitude and motivation to make himself as successful international coach. Please keep in mind that there is first time for everything. Just becaz he do not have prior coaching expertise will make him any less than other professional coaches around the world. We need Aussi mentality and who could be the better person to bring that change than Aussi himself. Our team has got all the right ingredients to become top opposition to Australia, South Africa and sri lanka. Lawson will do a great job becaz he has got all the tools and thinking mind to excel in his new coaching shoes and taking Pakistan to higher level. I lend my full support to Lawson and I welcome him to Pakistan with a hope that he will change the Pakistan team philosophy to all aspects of gentlemen’s game. Good luck to Pakistan and to Jeff Henry Lawson. Pakistan Pahindabad

In an earlier thread “Dav’s the man”, I didn’t agree with the notion that Pakistan was set to hire him. I had predicted with some reasoning that Lawson would be the one. Many bloggers at the time were (and still are) gunning for Whatmore.

Wasn’t PCB’s criteria from the outset to hire a low profile coach? After all PCB got smarter from Chappell’s experience with India (or is it the other way round?).

People have been talking about how tough and disciplinarian Whatmore is and that these qualities would have been so good for Pakistan. What nonsense, as though Pakistan team is a bunch of juveniles. Do we really need a matron to discipline them? Many have been saying we need a batting coach because of batters poor techniques. Nonsense. If that’s the case then such batters shouldn’t be in an international eleven in the first place. Someone rightly mentioned earlier: batting coaches like Miandad and Woolmer couldn’t do much so what good another batting coach would do? On the subject of a local or a foreign coach, Muhammad Asif earlier made a good comment “the word local is just an obsolete one”. I have said this before what our players lack is the mental strength. Geoff Lawson has made right noises so far and amongst other things is also talking about “mental side of things”. He is highly educated which should be an added advantage. Getting benefit of an Australian psyche can only be beneficial. So far Imran Khan, who has been critical of Woolmer in the past, has not made any comments on Lawson’s appointment. My prediction is he would have something good to say on this one. It has been said Lawson is aggressive and positive which are exactly the qualities that are needed. Unlike some bloggers who have been saying he was chosen because some players preferred him as he was weaker of the two. The fact of the matter is he was warmly welcomed in Ahmadabad at a Pakistan’s training camp and in Lawson’s own words “a relationship was established there very quickly and I was rather pleased”. What is wrong in working with a man you are already familiar with? How some people’s imagination runs wild on some kind of conspiracies is quite extraordinary. Whether Lawson proves to be a good coach, only time will tell but let’s wish him luck for now.

On the subject of previous thread, whether Saqlain should play for England or Pakistan. Well, let him decide and live his life the way he wants. But I would say this though, unless he starts playing really well in county matches, he may not be playing for either country ever again.

I think Inzamam not offered a central contract is a more important topic to discuss than some average Australian given a coaching job.

Best of luck to this young team and the new coach.
From my prespective, I don't see this selection is based on sheer experience or on the ability of a coach. Pakistan cricket board, playing dirty tricks again. Naseem Ashraf, should resign right now!!

I would like to congrats Jeff lawson on his appointement as Pakistan cricket coach.I think he is a better choice than Whatmore, since Dav's first preferance was to coach team India. Every one needs to give him their full support including some of our ex crickters( I dont need to mention any names ) who were not chosen for the job. Good luck Jeff...

Just for the record, the "Henry" nickname comes from one of Australia's best poets of the 19th century, Henry Lawson...he died an alcoholic, and lets hope the frustration of coaching Pakistan doesn't drive Geoff to the same fate!

I think Pakistan Cricket needed some one fresh for all those favoering Mr Whatmore need to realise that even though his hard work with other subcontinant teams he did not produced any big wins for those teams.We Pakisatnis do not need a boss with stick we need some one who treat us with love and respect ands if Mr Lawson have to prove him self i belive he need those things to be more succesful with our new blood who are hungry for wins in bigger events . I hwish Mr Lawson a very best of luck and hope when i am watching next Pakisatani game . It will show a diffrece in all the aspects of the game Go Team Pakistan Love you all whatever the result comes we will still be with you all the way........

He is not the king, Shoaib Malik is. Its a problem if you cant make out the difference between the king and his sidekick.

First of all Javed A Khan your first post I agree with and love!

Listen fans, Bob Woolmer who was a fantastic coach and great thinker of the game, and he failed! (politics as usual). His first few years were solid, he implemented his methods, developed players like Kamran, Gul, Asif, Younis Khan, Salman Butt,and Shoaib Malik, revitalised Afridi, and made Mo Yousuf one of the best batsmen in the world, but when the final leg of the race came and the worldcup approached, the powers that B unraveled all his hard work and destroyed team pakistan.
Can Lawson come in and do well, maybe and I pray he does. But whatmore would have been a better choice for fielding and batting. We have such great options for bowling coaches such as Akram, Waqar and Aaqib javed. This is where the PCB errored. I'm not down on Lawson's appointment and again I hope he suceeds but we had to get a coach that would improve our weaknesses, batting and fielding! Waqar could have easily done a great job with the pacers. If you watched the West indies series, Umar Gul had transformed into a yorker bowler and the final sign of that was when he threw a vicious Yorker that broke Sarwans toe!!!
We don't seem to have any solid fielding or Batting coaches so that is what we need in a coach, why didn;t PCB think of the weaknesses instead of our strenght. Does Ashraf still hold a grudge against Waqar, does Salim Atlaf still have power or did the players pressure his selection. I'll tell you the real answer, it was PCB's fear that India had passed up on Whatmore and if Whatmore failed, BCCI would look like they made a great decision. PCB also feared that if they hired Whatmore, fans and media outlets would say that he wanted the India job more and it would seem he settled for Pakistan. Looks like PCB made another personal decision so they would not face any heat! If you know about waqar younis, you know that the PCB kicked out waqar because of some type of Personal grudge. Waqar produced results but the PCB instead ignored his performance with the bowlers and fired him! If you go back to when PCB fired Waqar, that was the day when Pakistan started the downward spiral. The bowling never looked the same as asif and Gul struggled! As long as the PCB runs the operation and a constitution is not in place I don;t see any success lasting!
Good luck I am sure you will do well Lawson but beware, the PCB runs things and at any moment they can say sorry see you later. The the real question is, will the PCB let you do your thing! Waqar Younis would have to say no! Give Waqar Younis a call Lawson and ask him how impressive ashraf is, ask him how things are really run internally, I dare you too!!!!!!! Pakistan Zindabad!!!

Very good choice, amongst 3 choices, I feel Dave Whatmore is not the right one to be considered only becoz he already done so much at this level, he has nothing much to prove himself at international scene just like Bob Woolmer. I though those who yet to prove themseleves are better choice, he is australian, fast bowler, that what we required, we never won match with batting, & these days we are losing matches becoz our bowlers performance is not there to fill our batting disastrous gap. We used to taking care our batting failues through bowling brilliance. Let hope those time shall come asap.
Welcome Mr. Lawson & wish you all the best and hope you will utilize the best time to coach Pakistan, as we do't have any international star left (except Akhtar or Afridi)

Another point that should be noted - the only current international coaches with international cricket experience are Lawson and Bracewell (of New Zealand) - both bowlers. Nielsen (Australia), Moores (England), Arthur (SA), Bayliss (B-desh) and Moore (WI) have no recognized stature as playing cricketers (at international level).
With status being an important factor in the pecking order, and coache's authority a premium in Pakistan, Lawson is an excellent choice. Bowlers will listen to him, batsmen will listen and hopefully the PCB will also. Pakistan have to understand that a collection of talented individuals will get them nothing at the top level. To win you need a team. I'm hoping Lawson can achieve that.
One thing to comment on - Lawson stated he would like some Australian support staff be brought with him. I support this - with conditions. It's high time the PCB put plans to train and qualify their own top-level support staff. So, I would allow Lawson to bring the best talent he can find - on the proviso they each take on an apprentice, that will be able to take over in 2 or 3 years time. Also, regardless of who Lawson selects as his assistant coach, a Pakistani born (preferably with test/ODI playing experience) should also be taken on board - for the same reasons.
It's high time other countries understood that as long as Australia has a monopoly on producing batting talent, bowling talent and COACHING talent from their first class system - they will always stay on top of the heap.
I like winning - but I prefer the thrills of the close fought clashes of the early 80s to the walkover of the last test series (SA and WI at home, SA away, B-desh away, ashes at home etc.).

Goodluck to Pakistani team and their coach ahead of one tough year and Welcome Geoff Lawson :).

The secret of success for Lawson would be how successfully he blends the Aussie work ethics with Pakistani ground realities.Yes, this is a time for optimism and good wishes, lets pray that Lawson's maiden opportunity at international level brings out the best from Pakistan palyers as well as Lawson.

i think Whatmore was a better choice...pakistan team needs coach like a Whatmore which can deliver good result from the pakistan team.. He showed the world how good he is as a coach,sri lanka ,bangladesh..Lawson is not the right choice...

I think that he is an excellent choice.Having done my Masters from Australia i for one know that Aussies are a very honest people with high standards of work ethic.Dav had sub-continental experience no doubt but that can prove a nemesis as well.Lawson we remeber used to play aggressive cricket and Pakistan cricket needs this approach after laid back style days of the Inzi captaincy.I wish the best for Lawson and Pak cricket.Come on and give us a win on Indian tour we have waited for a triumph for so long.

It is a great choice. I believe, the chance should be given to a person who has no or less experience to sub-continent. Reason being, knowing the weakness and strengths in the region is not good. Pakistan need someone who brings new ideas and a different management style to bring the team up in the international world. Let's see how it goes. I am very optimistic.

As with every new appointment at an influential position such a Coach of a National Cricket team, there will be supporters and there will be those who think otherwise. Yes we have plenty of experienced and talented coaches available in Pakistan but as the old saying goes “its easy to whack someone when you know where they live”, I think hiring a foreign coach is what Pakistani crickets have always needed. One has to understand who we are and where we come from.
I personally feel Watmore days of coaching national sides are over so the decision to opt for a untested and inexperienced coach as Lawson might be the gamble that needs to be taken. As always, I agree with Javed saab from Montreal that give the new guy some time. He does have the Australian attitude besides being an aggressive fast bowler in his hay days. That just might be the need of the day.
Best of luck to Pakistan cricket and as Kamran Abbasi’s King Henry.
We will be watching !!!!

come on PCB ,over the years pak failure has been in the batting dept. how on earth a veteran fast bowler can provide assistance to the batters. inna lillahi wainna ilaihi rajioon...

Although Whatmore seems to be a more 'proven' coach in international cricket, it seems only logical that Lawson was appointed after the backing of the team. The last thing Pakistani cricket needs is another outbreak between coach and players, plus Lawson being inexperianced at the highest level will only add to his vigour to do well and will not have any 'Airs' about him, which will definetely relax the players more. Good Luck!!!

There's no doubt about our own local talent, the ONLY problem with that is Politics. We sure have the best former players but,they all seem to have political germs in them.We can go back & look what Wasim & Waqar did, what GREAT Imran did....Not to long ago & even a while ago what The Greatest Miandad did.They all pollarised the team during their time & that's what's the MOST feared thing PCB tried to avoid.It's Not that they are bigger fond of foreign coaches , it's just that fear.One More thing most people are pressing for again & again, a coach that's a batsman ! We had ALL batsman coaches till now, what wonders have they done? why do we still have batting problems?.It sure does help, but what our team needs most is....mental coaching. As most of people said above & agree that players at this level would & should know what they need to what they are required to do.It's just what they need is mental coaching & guidance with an agressive attitude, which a fast bowler posesses.The MOST important thing , we all need to support our team not negate them all the time unlike some being negative to our own country even. Best of luck Geoff & Team Pakistan

could prove to be a successful appointment. Lawson in his days was a fighter to the last ball. In his earliest interview, he seemed to have outlined some crucial sore points of the Paki team. I think he is already thinking in the right direction. Being an Aussi, he is already equipt with professionalism, modernity, humor and the innate sense of adaptability. I think this new era will bring us all some exciting cricket. As for all the critics who either embelish the idea of not allowing a "foreigner" on local soil, welcome to evolution. If you stay put behind the facades of your insecurities, you might just miss-out on what the unknown could offer you. Go get 'em Lawson!

this is an intriguing choice. lawson most probably will be a no-nonsense coach being a fast bowler himself.
the big question now is...will india take whatmore as their coach?

Whoa! King of Pakistan?? Hardly, I would say, Mr. Abbasi. Geoff Lawson may have the job of running the Pakistan Cricket team, but that would hardly make him king. The kings are the players, even though some of them are still princes. Geoff Lawson should simply get Pakistan to play to its potential, which is what the world of cricket is dying to see. That's it. A below par Pakistan playing defensively is the least thing we want to see, and I am Indian!!!

Lawson could be a good choice and I m hopeful that he will take then team towards the good and successful way.But two things here I would like to mention and that he’ve had no coaching experience at international Level. But He been with the Australian South Wales Team.But i m not happy with the Current Team.

wish him all the very best Geoff Henry Lawson
i think its a good choice of PCB thanks pcb

Good choice. No need for a local Pakistani coch due to the politics within the structure. I have seen Lawson coach his University team in Sydney, as well as listening and watching his comments on radio and tv. The guy knows his cricket and a very good cricket analyst. No doubt this is meant to help Shoaib Malik and Salman Butt who are still young and experienced leaders.
Lawson has said he will have a combination of Australian and Pakistani assistants which should be beneficial for the team as a whole.
I hope he also stands up to any player who does not respect Malik as a captain due to his young age. "Respecting your elders" because of age means nothing in professional sports.

i think it was the jokers sitting in PCB who thought they could not handle a tough no nonsense man like Whatmore . So they got the players to say it for them. Imagine employees having the final say in selecting who their boss will be . Miandad is absoloutely right why not give the players a say in selecting the Chief Joker of the PCB.

Assalamoalikum!
You think it matters if you híre the world´s best coach? I think it doesnt. You think we dont have a´coach who can be a backbone of óur team? I think we do. Why cant our players go for coaching proffession and be innovative? We cans till have worlds top team management if we want to. Think of Imran Khan, Aqib javed (a bit more polished), Javed Miandad (no one matches his instincts and tactics), Akram/waqar. These guys can make a good management team and then you can think of foreigners for fielding drills and therapists. Believe me lnaguage/cultural barrier will hinder a lot. I think we ´just dont use our talent to its potential. Keep trashing bucks.

good choice but i was hoping that pakistan team be different (which it is good at) and appoint Lawson AND Whatmore as JOINT pakistan coaches.

Lawson IS the best choice aong the trio...I have no doubt....simply becoz of the enthusiam he showed in his willingness to coach Pakistan...something i think whatmore and done lacked or didnot show...all of his comments show that he is determined to make pakistan as good a team as australia...good luck man and welcome to hell :)

he might just relish the *pricks* he
will encounter.

A Freudian slip, Mr Abbasi ?

It's good that Pakistan has a fresh new coach rather than over rated Dav Whatmore. Geoff is a former fast bowler and would know how to handle pak battery of fast bowlers. Fast bowlers always win you matches.

What a joke of cricket of Pakistan .PCB has made a mockery of them selves & are playing with the carrers of all the talent.Just look at this .....

Sept 1998: Former Pakistan great Javed Miandad takes over as coach from Haroon Rasheed.

April 1999: Miandad resigns after falling out with senior players and is replaced by Mushtaq Mohammad for the 1999 World Cup.

Aug 1999: Mushtaq sacked after the World Cup even though Pakistan finished runners-up; replaced by Wasim Raja.

Nov 1999: South African-based Englishman Richard Pybus replaces Wasim for a tour of Australia, becoming Pakistan’s first foreign coach.

Dec 1999: Intikhab Alam takes over after Pybus is axed following Pakistan’s 3-0 rout in the Australia Tests.

March 2000: Miandad returns in place of Intikhab, who was sacked after Pakistan lost the first two Tests against Sri Lanka in a home series.

April 2001: Miandad sacked after Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand and is replaced by Pybus for the tour of England.

Sept 2001: Pybus refuses to come to Pakistan in the wake of the Sept 11 attacks on the US and Mudassar Nazar takes over.

Sept 2002: Mudassar summoned home midway through the ICC Champions Trophy; Pybus returns.

March 2003: Pybus quits after Pakistan are knocked out in the first round of the World Cup; Miandad returns.

June 2004: Former England batsman Bob Woolmer takes over as Pakistan’s second foreign coach, replacing Miandad, who is sacked after Pakistan lose one-day and Test series at home against arch-rivals India.

March 2007: Woolmer dies during the World Cup in the Caribbean. Pakistan were knocked out by minnows Ireland the previous day.

July 2007: Former Australian fast bowler Geoff Lawson named as Pakistan's third foreign coach.

What is wrong with this picture .It seems to be that to hell with the public of Pakistan who are the die hard fans of the game .As long as The big hanchoos are making money & enjoying the free rides to foreign countries because they cannot afford on their own.
Why not the talent chosen fron withingn Pakistan as a Head coach .I think Intikhab Alam.Aqib Javed, Miandad would have been the best choices.
Aqib Javed was he coach of under 19 when they won the world cup why not him????????.

Come on show some patriotism & love for your motherland who has given you the satge where you are standing .This is the most disgusting Admin of PCB starting from TOP.