Intikhab named new Pakistan coach

Former Pakistan captain Intikhab Alam has been named as their new coach

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Pakistan have announced former captain and manager Intikhab Alam as their new national coach, a day after Geoff Lawson was sacked.

Intikhab will take the helm for Pakistan's upcoming series of three one-day internationals against West Indies in November at the neutral venue of Abu Dhabi.

"We have appointed Intikhab as the coach as we found him to be the suitable candidate," PCB chairman Ijaz Butt said. "He will accompany the team to Abu Dhabi for the one-day internationals against the West Indies."

Pakistan sacked former Australia fast bowler Lawson yesterday after a string of poor results. He had spent just 15 months in the job.

Intikhab, 66, has also been Pakistan coach and manager on several occasions, most notably during Pakistan's World Cup win in 1992. Former captain Javed Miandad was also a candidate for the post.

Butt said the length of Intikhab's contract was expected to be decided next week.

"We would like to appoint Alam for a two-year contract, but we have to get final approval from the members of the governing board," said Butt, who took over as chairman earlier this month.

Intikhab, who will abandon his contract with Punjab in India where he was to take over this month, said: "It's a big responsibility.”

"It is not an easy job and I have taken up this assignment as a big challenge."

Intikhab, one of Pakistan's finest all-rounders, played 47 Tests between 1959 and 1975, taking 125 wickets with his leg-spin and scoring one Test century. He captained Pakistan in 17 matches.

Intikhab said discipline would be his top priority.

"I will try to maintain discipline because no player is bigger than the game and discipline has been our problem, so that will be my top priority," he added.