Lawson to stay on as Pakistan coach
04/07/2008 5:26 PM
The Pakistan Cricket Board have dismissed reports they are set to replace under-pressure coach Geoff Lawson.
It has been suggested that Lawson would be sacked after the Asia Cup, before even completing the first 12 months of his two-year contract. He was appointed coach in August last year.
Last week, Lawson stormed out of a press conference following Pakistan's 64-run loss to Sri Lanka in a Super Four match of the Asia Cup. He subsequently returned only for the media to walkout.
Lawson has had a testy relationship with the local media and things came to a head when the Australian insulted a senior member of the local press by asking him to 'improve his English'.
Lawson issued an apology for his conduct, but his behaviour has not gone down well in Pakistan.
Lawson has also had a strained relationship with selectors and some former players have openly voiced their dislike of the Australian.
Chairman of the PCB, Nasim Ashraf, however, said their was no move to replace Lawson before the end of his term.
"There is absolutely no truth in the rumours that Geoff Lawson will be removed after the Asia Cup," Ashraf told the Dawn.
"No such matter is under discussion."
"The team has been improving under Lawson. We so reason for him to be replaced."