Pak recall Mushtaq as coach

While confirming the appointment, PCB chairman Khalid Mahmood said Mushtaq has been appointed for his immense experience which would do a lot of good to the Pakistani team in such a crucial assignment as World Cup.

PCB secretary Waqqar Ahmed said Mushtaq8217;s appointment has been made after consulting skipper Akram and hoped the newly-appointed coach would receive full support from the entire team.

Mushtaq, who was one of the most successful skippers of Pakistan, has been twice coach of the team but on both occasions he left the job in controversial circumstances. He was first appointed coach in 1995 but was removed only after a few months when Pakistan lost a home series to Sri Lanka and the Sharjah Cup.

He made a comeback when Majid Khan took over as PCB chief executive and stayed at the helm of affairs for 13 months only to leave following differences with the board on payments.

Mushtaq has been given the job barely a week before the start of the World Cup because earlier coach Javed Miandad resigned only two weeks ago due to differences with the senior players including skipper Akram.

South Africa8217;s Richard Pybus could work as assistant coach to Mushtaq, PCB said.

PCB had appointed Pybus as a consultant and terminated the services of former seamer Sarfaraz Nawaz last week, giving sweeping powers to skipper Akram.

But Mushtaq8217;s appointment again puts a question mark on the powers Akram will exercise.

Mushtaq, considered a cricketing genius, led Pakistan and Northamptonshire county during his 21-year career from 1958-79.