October 15, 2006	Sunday	Ramazan 21, 1427

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KARACHI, Oct 14: Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer has surprised the cricket board officials by asking for a bonus payment of around 50,000 dollars for improving the team’s performances and as management fees for the DFL Cup tournament held in Abu Dhabi earlier this year.

Woolmer went to Abu Dhabi for a few days to witness the performance of the Pakistan A side in the six-nation tournament also involving India and Sri Lanka.

Pakistan won the final by beating India with former Test cricketer, Rashid Khan as their coach.

Sources in the Pakistan cricket Board said Woolmer had made the demand citing some clauses in his contract on extra payments which were worked out with the board during the tenure of former chairman, Shaharyar Khan who was one of his biggest supporters and appointed him coach in 2004 in place of Javed Miandad.

“However, since Shaharyar has resigned, the new set-up has sent Woolmer’s demand to the legal advisors for a vetting of the relevant clauses in his contract with the board,” one source said.

The new chairman, Dr Nasim Ashraf is expected to hold talks with Woolmer after the Champions Trophy on his demands for payments which are over and above his contractual fees estimated to be in excess of 10 million rupees annually.

Shaharyar allowed Woolmer, a former England player, numberof perks such as vacations, air tickets and a car which were not part of his contract.

It is widely believed that with Shaharyar no more in office, Woolmer who was contracted until next year’s World Cup, may now face a difficult time convincing the board officials about his credentials as the best man for the job.

“It is no secret that some officials feel he is not as good as he is made out to be as a coach,” said a Pakistan cricket official requesting anonymity. Shaharyar had, apparently, given Woolmer a contract where if he is asked to leave before his stipulated tenure he can claim financial compensation from the board.

Sources close to Pakistan team say that the change in guard at the PCB has also seen a few players venting their frustration quite openly with Woolmer’s working.

“The board has got reports that fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar and all-rounder Shoaib Malik have both had heated arguments with Woolmer in recent days over some issues,” a source stated.

Pakistan’s next assignment is a home series against the West Indies followed by a tour of South Africa and the cricket World Cup in the West Indies.