September 07, 2008	Sunday	Ramazan 06, 1429

KARACHI, Sept 6: Pakistan’s embattled coach Geoff Lawson is not feeling insecure about his coaching job after the resignation of Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf which could well mark the end of current PCB set-up.

The Aussie coach said on Saturday he overlooked several lucrative positions in Australia to become Pakistan coach and can go back to some other important job back home any time he likes.

”I have no insecurity about my job with PCB,” said Lawson, who took over as Pakistan coach last summer following the death of Englishman Bob Woolmer during the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies. “I had several lucrative options in Australia but accepted to be Pakistan’s coach because it was a big challenge for me. And I will continue to focus on my task which is to make Pakistan the world’s best team.”

There have been reports that Lawson is expected to face the axe along with several other people occupying key positions in the cricket establishment once a new PCB chairman is appointed later this month. Traditionally, a new PCB chief brings in new set of officials after asking the previous officials to quit or face the axe.

Lawson, who does not have much experience as an international coach, was handpicked by the former PCB chief ahead of his vastly accomplished compatriot Dav Whatmore.

During his 14-month stint so far, Lawson’s biggest achievement is reaching the final of the inaugural World Twenty20 Championship in South Africa last September. Under him, Pakistan have played two Test series - against South Africa at home and against India in India - and have lost both.

Critics have termed Lawson as a weak coach and the Aussie’s fractious relations with the national selectors and the Pakistani media has not helped his cause much. But Lawson is not worried.

He also lamented the fact that foreign cricketers believe that Pakistan is an unsafe destination for them.

“I live in Lahore and move around in the city like a normal person, going shopping and to restaurants. I don’t feel unsafe,” said Lawson, who was deputed by the PCB and International Cricket Council (ICC) to try and ensure that the best players turn up for the Champions Trophy which was to be held in Pakistan in September. Lawson travelled to Australia and New Zealand last month to convince the players there that they would be completely safe in Pakistan during the Champions Trophy.

But the players were not convinced and later the ICC was forced to postpone the ICC Champions Trophy because of security fears. “It was unfortunate. The players were convinced that Pakistan was unsafe because they see this country through the eyes of the Western media and believe it’s a dangerous place.” —Agencies