September 23, 2002	Monday	Rajab 15, 1423

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ISLAMABAD, Sept 22: Lt Gen Tauqir Zia, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Sunday earned presidential praise with President General Pervez Musharraf giving him full marks.

“Tauqir is a capable man and is doing a good job,” he told journalists at the Rawalpindi Golf Club following the prize presentation of the COAS Championship where he was the chief guest.

Asked if the hiring and firing being done by the PCB was an appropriate thing to do at this point of time, Musharraf said: “Whatever they (PCB) are doing is in preparation for the World Cup.”

He also praised the Pakistan team, saying it was “good”.

“He is basically trying to prepare the team for the World Cup 2003,” the President, who is also the Patron of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), observed.

“The aim is to win the World Cup and Lt Gen Tauqir is making efforts to achieve that goal,” the President said.

The PCB sacked coach Mudassar Nazar last week, bringing in South African Richard Pybus in his place. There are reports now that team manager Yawar Saeed is also to be shown the door after failing to instil discipline in the team that has fallen apart as a result.

The PCB Saturday named a new-look side to play Australia in the three Test “home” series that has been split between Colombo and Sharjah.

The World Cup begins Feb 8 while Pakistan face Australia in their opening game a day later.