ISLAMABAD, May 2: Saleem Altaf, Director of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday dismissed reports that he had problems with team coach Bob Woolmer. “It is a professional relationship between us and I have no differences with him,” said Saleem shortly after inaugurating the PCB National Schools Championship (Islamabad) at the Diamond Ground.
The denial by the PCB official came after reports surfaced that he was not on talking terms with Woolmer whose stint with Pakistan began in July 2004.
“As the Director Cricket Operations my job is to evaluate his performance," he said of the coach who is in contract till June 30 next year.
But Saleem, who reportedly also does not get along well with Director Board Operations Abbas Zaidi, praised Woolmer for his performance so far.
“We have to accept this that since taking over he has done well and we should give credit where it's due,” he said while pointing out that fielding however remained an area of concern.
Saleem felt that as hosts of the 2008 Champions Trophy, Pakistan will have to upgrade its stadia.
“The tournament will help us make significant preparations with an eye on the 2011 World Cup.”
The World Cup was allotted to Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh last week by the International Cricket Council following an impressive bid put together by the subcontinent that beat the one submitted by Australia and New Zealand.
India who will be bringing in the major chunk of money are likely to host 22 matches with Pakistan's share being 14 games. Sri Lanka might get nine and Bangladesh six matches. A decision on who stages the final is yet to be made.
The PCB plans to have a state of the art stadium in Islamabad ready in time to organise some of the Cup matches.
“There will be some headway in this regard by June or July.”
Later in the day, Saleem presented a MoU to the chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Kamran Lashari in a meeting which was also attended by Islamabad cricket chief Shakil Shaikh.
Lashari told the cricket officials that CDA will come up with suggestions regarding the stadium in about 10 days.
The PCB is to submit a separate MoU with the Islamabad Cricket Association (ICA).
