May 30, 2008	Friday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 24, 1429

KARACHI, May 29: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dismissed reports that team’s coach Geoff Lawson is unwilling to return to his job, saying the Australian will land here on May 30, two days before the selectors announce the squad for the tri-series in Bangladesh.

The PCB chief Nasim Ashraf said the team for the series - that also features India - would be announced on June 2. The series starts on June 8.

‘‘The team for the tri-series in Bangladesh would be announced after the arrival of Lawson and (skipper) Shoaib Malik. The selectors are waiting for their return,” Dr Ashraf said.

He said media speculation about Lawson not wanting to return to Pakistan was unbelievable.

“I don’t believe this because when Lawson took over as coach 10 months back Pakistan was under terrorist attacks but he took over and even gave strong comments regarding security in the country. He will be returning as planned,” he asserted.

The PCB chief also brushed aside reports of a rift between Lawson and chief Salahuddin Ahmed.

“It is the PCB policy that a five-member selection panel including the captain and coach will decide the team after discussions.

“Naturally, they are bound to have their differences which is not a bad thing,” he said.

‘‘With the Asia Cup and Champions Trophy coming up and also a Test series against India and Australia we need to support him and give him time to continue his good work and plan ahead,” the PCB chief stated.—Agencies