RAWALPINDI, Oct 9: Pakistan coach Javed Miandad said on Thursday he wanted a greater role in team selection, which has become a contentious issue in recent weeks.

“The cricket I have played, the experience I have of 20-25 years of cricket, I think more use should be made of it,” Miandad told a news conference.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has given the selection committee complete power to pick the squad and the captain authority to finalise the final XI, with no formal role for the coach.

Miandad said he did discuss team selection with captain Inzamam-ul-Haq.

“We have a good working relationship. Although he does not need to listen but yet he does listen to my views on selection and other matters,” Miandad said. “But he is the captain and has complete authority. I can only give him or the selectors my views. It is up to them to decide on it.”

Rashid Latif is believed to have stepped down as captain before the series against South Africa after disagreements over selection with chief selector Aamir Sohail.

Miandad last week told Sohail not to interfere in team affairs after the chief selector indirectly criticised his handling of the team.

Sohail later said Miandad had misunderstood his comments, adding that he had no problems with him.

The selectors came under fire for playing several youngsters in the recent home series against Bangladesh.—Reuters