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LAHORE: Pakistan's interim head coach Mohsin Hasan Khan on Monday successfully managed to avoid all controversial questions regarding his future status at the time of the national team's departure to Dubai for the upcoming England series.
The mediamen were keen to get some reaction out of the former opener, specially after the comments made by the PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf in Hydderabad on Sunday where he reportedly said that 'though Mohsin was doing a good job, he was not a qualified coach and the PCB would be hiring the best qualified coaches for the team'.
Sources close to the PCB said that the England series will be Mohsin's last as head coach since the PCB has finalised a contract with renowned Australian coach Day Whatmore for the post and he is likely to takecharge in March.
'I have a lot of respect for chairman Zaka Ashraf and I will not make any comments here because I am accompanying the team for a very important series. I will not take any step that may hurt the integrity of Pakistan and its cricket team.
'What I am today is only due to my country and I want to serve it well and my services are always available for Pakistan cricket,' Mohsin said while speaking to media at the Lahore airport prior to Pakistan team's departure for Dubai on Monday for the England series, commencing from Jan 17.
'The team is fully motivated and all the players are ready for this important series, Mohsin said.
'Our bowling attack comprising good spinners and fast bowlers is quite strong and we have made efforts to remove all the flaws from the previous series in the recently concluded training camp,' he said.
Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq admitted that England was a hard team to beat in Test cricket but added that his players were capable of achieving it.
'No doubt England are the best in Test cricket but I have full confidence in my players that they will accept the challenge and will give their best to earn good results from the series,' said Misbah while looking quite composed and calm in front of the media.
'We are mentally and physically ready to deliver against England,' he said.
Misbah, who remained unbeaten as Pakistan skipper in 2011, said the Pakistan players had worked hard to bring improvement in fielding as well and if they held on to the chances offered by the England batsmen in the series, his side could win the three-Test series.
Meanwhile, a 12-member PCB-XI also left with the national team to play a three-day warm-up match against England.
