LAHORE, Oct 22: In a surprisingly defensive statement, PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt on Wednesday asserted that he held no grudge against Pakistan coach Geoff Lawson and his remarks over the Aussie pacer’s performance were his personal opinion.

“As the PCB chairman, I am duty-bound to fully back Lawson and to take care of all his liabilities. What I said in the press conference was my personal opinion which I had also given to the then chairman PCB Dr Nasim Ashraf,” Ijaz said while talking to Dawn here on Wednesday.

The chairman added that Lawson had a gigantic task ahead to improve the national team’s performance, adding the coach would receive full support of the PCB in his goals.

Lawson was appointed by Dr Ashraf in August 2007 with a task to bring the national team among the world’s top three outfits in two years time and to win at least one major tournament.

However, currently, Pakistan are placed sixth in both world Test and one-day rankings. With almost nine months remaining for his contract, Lawson has a three-match ODI series against the West Indies in Abu Dhabi, a full home series against India in January-February followed by a tour of Sri Lanka in June-July to achieve the target.

Meanwhile, the chairman said the next meeting of the Governing Board, first under his chairmanship, was expected to be held in the third or fourth week of November.

“After having a detailed look at every aspect of the PCB affairs, we will finalise an agenda for the meeting which can be held in the third or fourth week of November,” Ijaz stated.

Ijaz was also a member of the Governing Board, before he was elevated as the PCB chairman in place of Dr Nasim who resigned in August.

Meanwhile, there are reports that former captain and legend Javed Miandad will be included as a member of the Governing Board on the seat of Ijaz.

Miandad also met the chairman here on Wednesday. However, he did not disclose any detail about his meeting.

Miandad, a veteran of 124 Tests and 233 ODIs, said he was in Lahore for his personal work, and so came to the PCB offices to see the new chairman.

“I am always ready to serve the national cricket without any personal interest,” Miandad said while hinting for his possible role in the PCB in future.

Meanwhile, former Test opener and chief selector Aamir Sohail also visited the PCB offices and met Director Special Projects Salim Altaf.