Geoff Lawson Granted Leave: Pakistan Cricket Board

Monday, September 8, 2008 at 6:18 pm under Sports News Geoff Lawson Granted Leave: Pakistan Cricket Board

LAHORE:Pakistan Cricket Board Monday dismissed speculations arising from the departure of cricket team’s coach Geoff Lawson to Australia, saying he has proceeded on granted leave.

“He left today (Monday) after he was granted 10-day leave which was long due “, said PCB Director Media, Manzoor Suhail while talking to APP.

A wrong impression was being created in a section of the press that he has left for good, without completing his contract with the Pakistan team.

“It is wrong to say so, he has been given leave on a condition that if PCB finalises an away series with any country he would be returning immediately and he has agreed to it “, said the PCB official.

Mansoor Suhail said such speculations are creating confusion and damaging the cause of cricket in Pakistan.

He said that PCB is in process of arranging an away series to fill the gap created after the cancellation of ICC Champions Trophy this month to keep busy Pakistan team in international cricket.

“We are making efforts to fix up international cricket events under guidance of our international cricket committee (ICC)”, he said.

“Most likely this series will be played in Sri Lanka but we are still awaiting a final answer from the Lankan Board in this regard and at the moment nothing has been finalised yet “, he said.

PCB Director Media said National Twenty-20 Cup will be played as per schedule from October 4-8 here at three venues including Gadaffi stadium, LCCA ground and Lahore country club Muridke.

He said the details of the tournament will soon be unveiled at a launching ceremony as the sponsors AMN-Amro have now a new name of Royal Bank of Scotland.

“In all thirteen teams will be playing the most exciting version of cricket and it will be a good practice for the players for warm up for international cricket “,he added.