**Musharraf extends Tauqir’s tenure as PCB chairman – indefinitely **
By our correspondent
KARACHI: The Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has received a much needed vote of confidence in the midst of a crisis facing Pakistan cricket.
It was confirmed on Tuesday that the chief patron of the Board, President General Pervaz Musharraf had extended the tenure of Lt. General Tauqir Zia as PCB Chairman and an official government notification in this regard would be issued soon.
“Tauqir has been told to stay on and look after cricket affairs for an indefinite period. He has also been told that if he wants to start rebuilding a new team for Pakistan, he should go ahead without any qualms,” said a source close to the Board.
Although Tauqir himself had made it clear he would not resign after the disappointing World Cup campaign, there were fears that given the rising criticism against the Board and the players he might succumb to the pressure and step down.
But the source said Tauqir was on the contrary taking keen interest in cricket matters and working overtime on the rebuilding phase of the Pakistan team.
“Even the Patron has asked him to drop his planned visit to South Africa for attending the International Cricket Council (ICC) executive board meeting and the World Cup final and remain in Pakistan and concentrate completely on the rebuilding process,” said the source.
Sources said that President Musharraf had given the vote of confidence to Tauqir because he was also fed up with the disappointing performances of the senior players and their lack of commitment towards the national team and wanted Pakistan cricket to take a new course.
"Another thing is that Musharraf, despite the criticism against the Board, is well aware of the many other positive steps taken by Tauqir to reorganize Pakistan cricket on solid lines and professionally. “The Patron has got his own independent feedback from reliable sources on the performance of Tauqir and his level of commitment towards Pakistan cricket, after which he took the decision to extend his tenure and allow him to start a new chapter in Pakistan cricket,” said the source.
Sources said that Tauqir had spent his last few days discussing the new captain, coach and players for the Sharjah tournament and was also reviewing what administrative changes could be made to better improve the performance of the board.
“In the next few days there should be some interesting developments now that Tauqir has got the vote of confidence. In principle he has taken a decision on the new captain and coach and even discussed matters with them but the announcements will come later,” the source confided.
Sources said that Tauqir had spoken to Javed Miandad in Dubai and got his consent on making a comeback as national coach and also sought his approval on the new captain and team.
They cud have used the services from likes of Imran or asif iqbal:rolleyes: