By IANS,
Karachi : Geoff Lawson has no plans of stepping down as coach in spite of media reports that the new Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regime is unhappy with his performance.
Lawson said in an interview that he is enjoying his job and intends to continue at least till the end of his two-year stint. The former Australia pacer took over as Pakistan coach last summer following the tragic death of Englishman Bob Woolmer during the World Cup in Kingston, Jamaica, in 2006.
“Why should I quit as coach,” he asked a group of Pakistani reporters.
“I am enjoying my job and am looking forward to completing my two-year term,” he was quoted as saying by Daily Jang Saturday.
Lawson’s term ends next July after Pakistan features in the ‘iconic’ home series against India in January-February 2009 and the World Twenty20 Championship in England in June.
However, many insiders feel Lawson is unlikely to survive that long. PCB’s new chairman Ijaz Butt has already expressed dissatisfaction over the results achieved by Lawson during his 14 months as coach and has hinted at making sweeping changes in the national team set-up.
Lawson refused to comment on such reports saying that he is focussed on getting the best out of his charges.
“I’m not into Pakistan cricket politics. And will only brief the new PCB chairman about my performance as coach.”
Lawson lamented the fact that Pakistan has played very little cricket in the past six months. But he was quick to add that he and his players were excited about playing against India in the Test and one-day series early next year.
“We are all eagerly looking forward to the series against India. I am confident that my team will be ready for it.”